non-essential
|non/es/sen/tial|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑːn.ɪˈsen.ʃəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.ɪˈsen.ʃəl/
(essential)
not necessary
Etymology
'non-essential' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the word 'essential' from Latin 'essentialis', meaning 'pertaining to essence'.
'essentialis' transformed into the Old French word 'essentiel', and eventually became the modern English word 'essential'. The prefix 'non-' was added to form 'non-essential'.
Initially, 'essential' meant 'pertaining to essence', but over time it evolved to mean 'absolutely necessary'. Adding 'non-' negates this meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an item or element that is not absolutely necessary.
During the move, we packed only the essentials and left the non-essentials behind.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
not absolutely necessary or required.
The company decided to cut non-essential expenses.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41