completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a particular activity
an essential part/feature of something
an essential element/ingredient/component of something
The local government is not able to provide essential services such as gas, water and electricity.
Vitamins play an essential role in many body processes.
The museum is closed while essential repairs are being carried out.
The charity will be taking food and essential supplies to six refugee camps.
This book is essential reading for all nature lovers.
All events are free, but booking is essential.
essential to something Money is not essential to happiness.
essential for something Experience is essential for this job.
it is essential to do something It is essential to keep the two groups separate.
it is essential for somebody/something to do something It is absolutely essential for all those involved in education to be computer-literate
it is essential that… It is essential that you have some experience.
connected with the most important aspect or basic nature of somebody/something
The essential difference between Sara and me is in our attitude to money.
He describes what he thinks is the essential nature of America.
The essential character of the town has been destroyed by the new road.
The film captures an essential truth of adolescence
something that is needed in a particular situation or in order to do a particular thing
I only had time to pack the bare essentials (= the most necessary things).
The studio had all the essentials like heating and running water.
The relief agencies are trying to provide food and other basic essentials.
an important basic fact or piece of knowledge about a subject
the essentials of English grammar
