1the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, which determines its character:conflict is the essence of drama
[count noun] Philosophy a property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is:Locke’s scepticism about our ability to penetrate to the real essences of things
2an extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other matter and used for flavouring or scent:vanilla essence
in essence
basically and without regard for peripheral details; fundamentally:in detail the class system is complex but in essence it is simple
of the essence
critically important:time will be of the essence during negotiations
