essential

Cannot do without

Essential describes what is absolutely necessary or fundamental to something's nature.

An essential ingredient cannot be left out.

Essential oils contain the concentrated essence of plants.

The essentials are basics you can't do without: We packed only the essentials.

Something's essential character is its core identity stripped of incidentals.

necessary

indispensable

Utterly required, irreplaceable

prerequisiteRequired prior condition
mandatoryRequired by rule
compulsoryRequired, not optional

requisite · imperative · obligatory · required · critical · crucial · vital · paramount · needful · must-have

inherent

innate

Existing since birth

intrinsicBelonging by nature
integralAntiderivative or crucial component
indispensableUtterly required, irreplaceable

built-in · natural · ingrained · hardwired · constitutional · inborn · congenital · immanent · inseparable · inalienable

core

nucleus

Central controlling part

heartCirculatory system's pump
centerMiddle of anything
kernelSeed or essential core

hub · crux · pivot · epicenter · gist · root · anchor · nub · marrow · pith

fundamental

basic

Fundamental in nature

elementaryOf first principles
foundationalServing as a base
primaryChief in importance

rudimentary · underlying · axiomatic · groundwork · bedrock · cornerstone · keystone · framework · infrastructure · scaffolding

aromatic

oils

Viscous lipid liquids

fragrancePleasing olfactory quality
perfumeFragrant liquid for wearing
aromatherapyTherapeutic use of plant essences

extract · concentrate · distillation · lavender · peppermint · eucalyptus · bergamot · ylang-ylang · rosemary · diffuser

biochemical

amino acids

Organic compounds forming proteins

proteinsAmino acid polymers
fatty acidsOrganic molecules in fats
nutrientsVital dietary substances

vitamins · minerals · oils · fats · enzymes · cofactors · micronutrients · macronutrients · supplements · dietary

Categories

importanceimportance, significance, consequence, weight, gravity
necessitiesbasics, need, needs, necessities, requirement
requirementsrequirement, requirements, prerequisite, requisite, requisites
mandatory thingsmandatory, required, obligatory, compulsory, necessary
minimalistsparse, bare, stripped, pared, unadorned
Non-negotiablesdealbreaker, must-have, bottom line, red line, hard limit

Opposites

necessity

essentialunnecessary

Not essential or required

nonessential · inessential · dispensable · optional · unneeded

centrality

essentialperipheral

External computer add-on

accidental · incidental · secondary · marginal · ancillary

abundance

essentialsurplus

Amount exceeding requirement

extra · excess · superfluous · spare · supplemental

Phrases

bare essentialsAbsolute minimum required
essential oilsConcentrated plant-derived aromatics
essential personnelStaff too vital to furlough
non-essential goodsItems beyond basic needs
essential workerVital occupation holder
essential servicesIndispensable public functions

Family

essentials, essentially, nonessential, inessential, quintessential, essential oils, unessential, nonessentials, essentiality

Familiarity: Top 5,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G