nonessential
|non/es/sen/tial|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑːn.ɪˈsen.ʃəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.ɪˈsen.ʃəl/
(essential)
not necessary
Etymology
'nonessential' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the word 'essential' from Latin 'essentialis', where 'essentia' meant 'being' or 'essence'.
'essentialis' transformed into the Old French word 'essentiel', and eventually became the modern English word 'essential'. The prefix 'non-' was added to form 'nonessential'.
Initially, 'essential' meant 'pertaining to essence', but over time it evolved to mean 'absolutely necessary'. 'Nonessential' thus means 'not absolutely necessary'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an item or thing that is not essential.
During the move, we packed only the essentials and left the nonessentials behind.
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Adjective 1
not absolutely necessary or required.
The company decided to cut nonessential expenses.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35