Words / C2

kwint-i-SENSHL/ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/

Quintessential means being the most perfect or typical example of a kind: the quintessential English village, a quintessential gala. Typical (already in the dictionary) is everyday and weaker; an archetype (already in the dictionary) is the original or classic model — the close noun. Essential (already in the dictionary) is necessary, a lookalike trap. Do not let a quintessential evening skip the named first-aider.

Meaning

Representing the most perfect or typical example of something.

Examples

• “The quintessential gala still needs a named first-aider.”
• “Typical is everyday (already in B1). An archetype is the model (already in C2). Essence is the heart of a thing (already in C1) — not the same word. Posh is not cover. A perfect brand night with no named medic is still a hole. Write the rota; typicality is decoration.”

Good to know

The perfect typical example. Everyday: typical (already in this dictionary). Close noun: archetype (already in C2). Mix-up: essential (necessary — already in B1). A gala is not a first-aider.

Near in meaning

typical

New