Basic, indispensable items or fundamental principles necessary for something to exist or function. The most important elements that cannot be omitted.
From Latin essentialis, from essentia meaning 'being' or 'essence,' derived from esse 'to be.' The concept of 'essential' as absolutely necessary developed in medieval philosophy, with the plural form emerging in English usage.
What we consider 'essential' reveals our values and priorities—a survival kit contains different essentials than a musician's travel bag. The word philosophically connects to existence itself, as essentials are what make something fundamentally what it is.
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