essence
nounUK /ˈes.əns/
US /ˈes.əns/
The most important part of something that makes it what it is.
The essence of friendship is trust and kindness.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A strong liquid taken from a plant or food and used for flavor or smell.
She added a few drops of vanilla essence to the cake batter.
3. The quality that gives something its special smell or taste.
The essence of fresh coffee filled the kitchen.
4. In philosophy, the true inner nature of a thing.
Philosophers have long debated the essence of human existence.