essence
noun
es·sence
ˈe-sᵊn(t)s 
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)
5
: something that exists : entity
Synonyms
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.
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
In essence, the Fed has satisfied its dual mandate of keeping inflation and unemployment low.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
In essence, the Magic Trackpad is just a larger version of the touchpad found on MacBooks.
—PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
In essence, blockchains can make sure promises will be kept.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
This is the essence of versatility — an understanding that one form of expression can deepen and expand another.
—Anto Dotcom, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essence 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
In essence, the Magic Trackpad is just a larger version of the touchpad found on MacBooks.
—PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
In essence, blockchains can make sure promises will be kept.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
This is the essence of versatility — an understanding that one form of expression can deepen and expand another.
—Anto Dotcom, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essence
Dictionary Entries Near essence
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essence. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
essence
noun
es·sence
ˈes-ən(t)s
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
: the scent of something usually sweet-smelling
Medical Definition
essence
noun
es·sence
ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
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)
Legal Definition
essence
noun
es·sence
ˈes-ᵊns
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 agreement—United Steel Workers v. Enterprise Wheel and Car Corp., 363 U.S. 593 (1960)
see also essence test
United Steel Workers v. Enterprise Wheel and Car Corp., 363 U.S. 593 (1960)2
: the predominant purpose of a thing
the essence of the contract
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