essence
ESS-uns
/ˈesns/
The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character.
In philosophy, the core properties that make a thing what it is, without which it would cease to be that thing.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'essentia', created by Seneca and Cicero from 'esse' (to be) to translate the Greek word 'ousia' (being/substance). It was designed to answer the question 'what is it at its core?'.
Word relationships
- quiddity: 'Quiddity' is an archaic philosophical synonym specifically asking 'whatness', while 'essence' is widely used.
- accident: In classical philosophy, an 'accident' is a non-essential property (e.g., color) that can change without altering identity.
Commonly confused with
- essential: 'Essential' is the adjective form meaning necessary, whereas 'essence' is the core underlying identity.
Word family
- essential (adjective): Fundamentally necessary or constituting essence.
- essentialism (noun): The belief that things have fixed intrinsic essences.
Collocations
- in essence
- quintessential essence
- capture the essence
- distill the essence
Idioms & expressions
- in essence (basically, fundamental nature)
Example sentences
- "Sartre famously declared that existence precedes essence for human beings." Existential philosophy
- "Simplicity is the very essence of effective communication." General analysis
Memory hook
ESSENCE is what makes a thing ES-SENTIAL to itself. The ultimate core identity.
When not to use
Avoid confusing with 'substance' when discussing raw material; essence refers to identity/character.
Fun facts
- In perfumery, 'essential oils' were originally thought to carry the literal spiritual 'essence' of the plant.
Related words
Explore more words
Substance, Properties, integrity, virtue, authentic, incorruptible
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.