essence
ESS-uhnss
/ˈɛsəns/
The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character.
In traditional philosophy, essence precedes existence (things have a pre-made nature); existentialism reverses this rule.
The story behind the word. Coined by Roman philosophers like Cicero to translate the Greek word ousia ('being'). It represents the core foundation of what makes a thing what it is.
Word relationships
- nature: Nature is a broad descriptor of characteristics; essence is the core defining definition of a thing.
- accident: In philosophy, an accident is a non-essential feature that can change without altering what the object is.
Commonly confused with
- existence: Existence is the fact of being; essence is what a thing actually is by definition.
Word family
- essential (adjective): Relating to core essence; absolutely necessary.
- essentially (adverb): Fundamentally or in essence.
Collocations
- precede essence
- in essence
- true essence
- capturing the essence
Idioms & expressions
- in essence
Example sentences
- "Sartre's famous dictum 'existence precedes essence' means humans exist first and define their nature second." Existential debate
- "The essence of his argument was that education must be accessible to everyone." General analysis
Memory hook
ESSENCE is what IS (esse = to be). Core nature of being.
When not to use
Do not confuse essential oils with metaphysical essence in philosophical discourse.
Fun facts
- The Latin verb esse gives us 'essence', 'essential', and 'entity'.
Related words
Explore more words
Substance, Properties, integrity, virtue, authentic, incorruptible
Also appears in
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