English Lexicon

Essence

/ˈɛs.əns/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character.

    "The essence of democracy is the participation of the people."
  2. 2

    A concentrated extract of a substance, especially one used for flavoring or scent.

    "She added a few drops of vanilla essence to the cake batter."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'essentia', which was coined by Cicero as a translation of the Greek philosophical term 'ousia' (being, substance), originating from the verb 'esse' (to be). It entered the English language in the late 14th century via Old French, initially retaining its dense philosophical meaning regarding the fundamental nature of a being before expanding into culinary, aromatic, and general conceptual usages.

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