Words / B2

VYTL/ˈvaɪtl/

Vital means absolutely necessary, or connected with keeping someone alive: vital consent; vital organs. Essential is the close twin; important is weaker. A signed consent form is vital. Mix-up: vitamin is a nutrient (already in the dictionary). Do not call a nice-to-have extra vital.

Meaning

Absolutely necessary; also connected with keeping someone alive.

Examples

• “A signed consent form is vital before any interview is recorded.”
• “Check vital signs in the first-aid station, which is the medical sense.”

Good to know

vital for / to; vital organs / signs. Close: essential. Weaker: important. Trap: vitamin. Ethics, methods, and biology. Necessary, not merely useful.

Near in meaning

essential

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