essence

noun

es·​sence ˈe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce essence (audio)
1
a
: the permanent as contrasted with the accidental element of being
b
: the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to its existence
a painting that captures the essence of the land
c
: the properties or attributes by means of which something can be placed in its proper class or identified as being what it is
2
: the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person
the essence of the issue
3
: one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form
she was the essence of punctuality
4
a(1)
: a constituent or derivative possessing the special qualities (as of a plant or drug) in concentrated form
also : a preparation of such an essence or a synthetic substitute
(2)
: a volatile substance or constituent (as of perfume)
b
5
: something that exists : entity
Phrases
in essence
: in or by its very nature : essentially, basically
was in essence an honest person
of the essence
: of the utmost importance
time is of the essence

Examples of essence in a Sentence

The perennial debate about nature and nurture—which is the more potent shaper of the human essence?—is perennially rekindled. Matt Ridley, Time, 2 June 2003
In essence, the positivists were the first sociologists, rejecting both superstition and metaphysics and studying behavior as a natural phenomenon that could be perfected. Stephan Talty, Mulatto America, 2003
I had come to Orange Cove on a statewide tour, looking for the essence of Latino life in a changing California and a good bowl of the Mexican stew … Joe Rodriguez, San Jose Mercury News, 20 May 2003
The essence of love is unselfishness. The book's illustrations capture the essence of the story.
Recent Examples on the Web As a maiden voyage into solo artistry, Don’t Speak, Just Kiss encapsulates Liu Lian’s current authentic essence. Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Few courses embody the essence of Coeur quite like dessert. Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 In essence, the customers take the lead in the design, management and responsibility for the outcomes of the CAB. Eyal Danon, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Adwoa Beauty’s milky spray is like an essence for scalp and strands, silky, nourishing, and easily spritzed on cornrows between wefts. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2024 For supporters of the plan, though, nothing less than the essence of New York is at stake. Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 29 Feb. 2024 Smirnov is charged with two counts of making false statement to the bureau — in essence, falsely claiming that he’d been told that President Biden and his son Hunter were bribed by a corrupt Ukrainian energy company. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 23 Feb. 2024 In my experience, inspired by the wisdom of the Shaolin tradition, the essence lies in their ability to go beyond mere words. Satyen Raja, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 For Odierno Law Firm, the essence of law is not just in the quality of the work performed. Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English essencia, from Latin essentia, from esse to be — more at is

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of essence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near essence

Cite this Entry

“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

essence

noun
es·​sence ˈes-ən(t)s How to pronounce essence (audio)
1
: the basic nature of a thing : the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is
the essence of love is unselfishness
2
: a substance physically or chemically separated from another substance (as a plant or drug) and having the special qualities (as odor) of the original substance
essence of peppermint
3

Medical Definition

essence

noun
es·​sence ˈes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce essence (audio)
1
: a substance considered to possess in high degree the predominant qualities of a natural product (as a plant or drug) from which it is extracted (as by distillation or infusion)
2
b
: an alcoholic solution especially of an essential oil
essence of peppermint
c
: an artificial preparation (as an alcoholic solution of one or more esters) used especially in flavoring
d
: elixir

Legal Definition

essence

noun
es·​sence ˈes-ᵊns How to pronounce essence (audio)
1
: the real or ultimate nature of a thing : the properties that make a thing what it is
his award is legitimate only so long as it draws its essence from the collective bargaining agreementUnited Steel Workers v. Enterprise Wheel and Car Corp., 363 U.S. 593 (1960)
see also essence test
2
: the predominant purpose of a thing
the essence of the contract

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