'quintessentially' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'quintessentia,' where 'quinta' meant 'fifth' and 'essentia' meant 'essence.'

'quintessentia' transformed into the English word 'quintessence,' and from there, the adjective 'quintessential' and adverb 'quintessentially' were formed.

Initially, it meant 'the fifth essence' or 'the purest form,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the most typical or perfect example.'