Words / C1

ESNS/ˈesns/

Essence is the most important quality of something: the essence of the argument, in essence. Heart and core are everyday; gist is the main idea of a text; substance can mean the solid content. Essential is the adjective (necessary) — related but not identical. In speech, the heart of it or basically is enough. In essence means basically. Do not pad essays with “the very essence of” when you mean the main point.

Meaning

The most important quality of something.

Examples

• “The essence of the argument is fairness.”
• “The essence of the argument is fairness, not novelty.”
• “In essence, the policy shifts cost from the centre to families.”

Good to know

The heart / most important quality. in essence = basically. Everyday: the heart of it / gist. Adjective related: essential (necessary). Avoid padding.

Near in meaning

core

New