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essence

Pronunciation: /ˈɛs(ə)ns/
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Definition of essence

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, which determines its character:conflict is the essence of drama
  • [count noun] Philosophy a property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is: Locke’s scepticism about our ability to penetrate to the real essences of things
  • 2an extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other matter and used for flavouring or scent:vanilla essence

Phrases

in essence

basically and without regard for peripheral details; fundamentally:in detail the class system is complex but in essence it is simple

of the essence

critically important:time will be of the essence during negotiations

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin essentia, from esse 'be'

essence in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of essence in the US English dictionary

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