vital
/ˈvaɪtəl/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Relating to or characteristic of life.
Adjective
Examples
vital energies; vital functions; vital actions
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
Necessary to the continuation of life; being the seat of life; being that on which life depends.
Adjective
Examples
The brain is a vital organ.
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).
Common questions
What does “vital” mean?
Relating to or characteristic of life.
Is “vital” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.