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essence

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essence
essence /ˈesəns/ noun
 Word Family: noun: essence, essentials ≠ inessentials; adverb: essentially; adjective: essentialinessential
 Date: 1300-1400
 Language: French
 Origin: Latin essentia, from esse 'to be'
1. [singular] the most basic and important quality of something
    essence of
    The essence of Arsenal’s style of football was speed.
    She seems the very essence of kindness (=she seems very kind).
2. in essence used when talking about the most basic and important part of something, especially an idea, belief, or argument:
    In essence his message was very simple.
3. [uncountable and countable] a liquid obtained from a plant, flower etc that has a very strong smell or taste and is used especially in cooking:
    vanilla essence
4. something is of the essence used to say that something is very important:
    Good communications are of the essence to remain competitive.
    time/speed is of the essence (=it is very important to do something quickly)