essential nature
- essenceFundamental nature of something
- coreCentral essential portion
- soulInnermost animating essence
- heartCirculatory system's pump
- spiritSoul, mood, or liquor
substance · being · intrinsic · fundamental · quintessence · nature · purity · truth · identity · kernel · marrow · root · character · innate · authentic · bedrock · crux · grain
core versus surface
essential naturesurface features
Observable external characteristics
veneer · facade · trappings · window dressing · outer layer
substance versus manifestation
essential naturemere appearance
intrinsic vs. extrinsic
essential naturelearned behavior
Action acquired through experience
environmental influences · nurture · conditioning · socialization