essence
/ˈɛsəns/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: essences
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The inherent nature of a thing or idea.
Noun
Examples
CHARITY is a virtue of the heart, and not of the hands, ſays an old writer. Gifts and alms are the expreſſions, not the eſſence of this virtue.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The true nature of anything, not accidental or illusory.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “essence” mean?
The inherent nature of a thing or idea.
Is “essence” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.