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essence

noun (IMPORTANCE)
 
 
/ˈes.əns/

Definition

C2 [S or U] the basic or most important idea or quality of something: The essence of his argument was that education should continue throughout life. Yet change is the very essence of life.Conditions and characteristics in essence C2 formal relating to the most important characteristics or ideas of something: In essence, both sides agree on the issue.General be of the essence formal to be the most important thing: In any of these discussions, of course, honesty is of the essence. Time is of the essence.Being important and having importance
(Definition of essence noun (IMPORTANCE) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
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