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
These invitations are the essence of reciprocation.
—Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024
Noble Made has successfully captured the essence of the sloppy joe while promoting better health and wellness through the thoughtful selection of ingredients and a commitment to reducing sugar content.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
The sprawling, 26-song album’s essence is highlighting the artistry of country music’s top songwriters, including Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famers, alongside newcomer hit writers.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
The quick-change artist is someone who can’t be left behind or out of date, someone who’s always freshly appealing to their audience without losing their essence.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2024
Such reverence captures the essence of Modi’s popularity.
—Michael Kugelman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
James McCartney is holding a contest alongside the song, asking couples to share videos capturing the essence of love and romance in their favorite place.
—Variety, NBC News, 17 Apr. 2024
This, in essence, was the question NHS England asked Hilary Cass, former president of the Royal College of Pediatricians, in 2020.
—The Editors, National Review, 15 Apr. 2024
The idea, developer Alan Hooper said, is to recapture the artistic essence of what was once there when the neighborhood had warehouses and a monthly art walk, but with the addition of housing and shops.
—Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2024
Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024
Noble Made has successfully captured the essence of the sloppy joe while promoting better health and wellness through the thoughtful selection of ingredients and a commitment to reducing sugar content.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
The sprawling, 26-song album’s essence is highlighting the artistry of country music’s top songwriters, including Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famers, alongside newcomer hit writers.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
The quick-change artist is someone who can’t be left behind or out of date, someone who’s always freshly appealing to their audience without losing their essence.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2024
Such reverence captures the essence of Modi’s popularity.
—Michael Kugelman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
James McCartney is holding a contest alongside the song, asking couples to share videos capturing the essence of love and romance in their favorite place.
—Variety, NBC News, 17 Apr. 2024
This, in essence, was the question NHS England asked Hilary Cass, former president of the Royal College of Pediatricians, in 2020.
—The Editors, National Review, 15 Apr. 2024
The idea, developer Alan Hooper said, is to recapture the artistic essence of what was once there when the neighborhood had warehouses and a monthly art walk, but with the addition of housing and shops.
—Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near essence
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essence. Accessed 26 Apr. 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
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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