essence(ES ins) n.1. something existing; entity; 2. vital characteristic; intrinsic,
fundamental nature; most important quality; 3. a substance that keeps (in concen-
trated form) the flavor, fragrance, or other properties of the plant, food, etc. from
which it is extracted
- International law is something that exists in essence,although it is not
codified. - Humor is the essenceof satire and of satirical pieces.
- Oddly, a certain nastiness is the essenceof satirists.
- Vanilla extract contains all the essenceof a vanilla bean’s flavor but none of
the grittiness of the seeds.
essential(is EN shil) adj.1. of the intrinsic nature of something; basic; inher-
ent; 2. necessary; requisite; indispensible - A happy wagging tail is essentialto a golden retriever.
- It is essentialto bring your driver’s license when you go to cash a check.
[-ly adv.] [Syn. vital, important, crucial]
establish(es TAB lish) vt.1. to make stable; to make firm; 2. to permanently
order, ordain, or enact (for example, a law); 3. to set up (a government, business,
organization, etc.); found; institute; 4. to cause to happen or to be; bring about - The sheriffs establishedlaw and order in the Old West.
- Congress establishesthe laws by which we live.
- Johnny establishedhis law office in New York City.
- Rose and Dorothy establisheda lifelong friendship.
[-ed, -ing, -ment n.] [Syn. launch, create]
esteem(es TEEM) vt.1. to have great regard for; to value highly; 2. to hold to
be; —n.favorable opinion; high regard; respect - Val esteemedBert’s help in selecting colleges to apply to.
•I esteemyour aid in installing the storm door correctly to have been
invaluable. - Do you hold your dog’s opinion of people in high esteem?
[-ed, -ing] [Syn. appreciate, admire]
ethical (ETH ik l) adj.1. concerned with ethics or morality; of or conforming to
moral standards; 2. conforming to the standards of a particular profession or group - The Geneva Conventions deal with the ethicaltreatment of prisoners
of war. - Many consider the testing of cosmetics on animals to be less than ethical.
- The legal profession’s ethicalcode calls for not divulging any communica-
tion between client and attorney.
[-ly adv.] [Syn. principled]
ethicist (ETH is IST) n.someone devoted to ethical ideas; one very well versed
in moral issues and considerations - An ethicistwas consulted to help the hospital form a policy on treatment
of those without medical insurance. - Ethicistsare often consulted about genetic engineering projects.
[ethnician n.] [Syn. moralist]
102 Essential Vocabulary