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essence
/ˈesəns/
the intrinsic nature or fundamental quality
The essence of good leadership is empathy and understanding.
This means that the most important qualities of a good leader are the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
formal
the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract
The essence of democracy is the right to vote.
This means that the most fundamental aspect of democracy is the ability of citizens to choose their leaders through elections.
She captured the essence of the city in her paintings.
This means that her paintings perfectly conveyed the true character or spirit of the city.
Often used in philosophical, literary, or abstract contexts to describe the core nature of something.
Collocations
capture the essenceto express the most important or typical aspects of somethingin essencein the most basic or fundamental sense
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Abstract vs. Concrete Use
'Essence' is often used abstractly to describe the fundamental nature of something, but it can also refer to a concentrated form of a substance, such as 'rose essence'.
Gold Rule
Formal Context
'Essence' is typically used in formal or philosophical contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless referring to a concentrated substance.
Word Origin
From Middle French 'essence', from Latin 'essentia', from 'esse' (to be). Related to 'exist'.
Usage Notes
Often used in philosophical or abstract discussions to describe the fundamental nature of something. Can also refer to a concentrated form of a substance, as in 'essence of roses'.
Word Breakdown
ess
to be
root-ence
state or quality
suffixEnglish Dictionary