essence
UK/'esns/US
IELTSTOEFLB1
Definitions
n.
The most basic and important quality of something; its true nature.
本质；实质。
n.
A concentrated extract from a plant, used for flavor or scent.
（植物的）精，香精，浓缩液。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin essentia, 'the being of a thing,' built on esse (to be). The essence is what something most truly IS when all inessentials are stripped away — its core nature. The same word names a concentrated extract: the distilled 'being' of a flower or herb.
Root est still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
The fixed phrase 'in essence' means 'essentially / at the core' (In essence, the plan is to cut costs). And 'of the essence' means 'crucially important,' almost always in 'time is of the essence.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Freedom is the very essence of democracy.
- 2.
Add a few drops of vanilla essence to the batter.
- 3.
In essence, the two proposals say the same thing.