essentiality
|es-sen-ti-al-i-ty|
/ɪˌsɛnʃiˈælɪti/
state/quality of being essential
Etymology
'essentiality' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'essentia', where the root 'esse' meant 'to be'.
'essentiality' developed from Late Latin 'essentialis' (meaning 'of essence'), through Middle English and Modern English formation by adding the nominal suffix '-ity' to 'essential'.
Initially related to 'being' or 'essence' in Latin, over time it evolved into the abstract noun meaning 'the state or quality of being essential' in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being essential; something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable.
The essentiality of clean water for public health cannot be overstated.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
in philosophical contexts, the state of being an essence or the intrinsic nature of something (what makes a thing what it is).
Philosophers discussed the essentiality of consciousness when defining personhood.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/06 00:10