essence
noun uk/ˈes.əns/ us/ˈes.əns/
(IMPORTANCE)
C2 [ S or U ]本质；实质；要素
the basic or most important idea or quality of something
The essence of his argument was that education should continue throughout life. 他的观点的要旨是教育应该持续终生。
Yet change is the very essence of life. 然而变迁恰恰是人生的本质。
in essence C2 formal 本质上；实质上
relating to the most important characteristics or ideas of something
In essence, both sides agree on the issue. 从本质上说，双方在这个问题上的意见是一致的。
The charges, in essence, are that he dishonestly avoided paying tax.
In essence, the filibuster meant that the bill would never be brought to a vote.
What they said, in essence, was that we would never be welcome.
Their meetings were in essence a form of religious worship.
be of the essence formal 极其重要；必不可少
to be the most important thing
In any of these discussions, of course, honesty is of the essence. 当然，在探讨任何问题时都必须坦诚。
Time is of the essence. 时间至关重要。
With this form of communication, speed is of the essence.
Some of our patients are already very sick, so time is of the essence.
When speaking in public, clear diction is of the essence.
- More examples
- The essence of punk music was a revolt against both the sound and the system of popular music.
- The paintings capture the essence of working life at the turn of the last century.
- He captures the essence of French country life with colourful and pretty designs.
- The builders are paid by the hour so speed is of the essence.
- The medieval fair featuring school children from around the region attempted to recapture the essence of medieval life.
(SMELL/TASTE)
[ C or U ]（通常取自植物或花的）香精，香料，精油
a strong liquid, usually from a plant or flower, that is used to add a flavour or smell to something
vanilla essence 香草香精
essence of violets 紫罗兰香精