English vocabulary · C1
Quintessential
ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl · adj.
It means representing the perfect example of a quality or class.
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Example sentences
- The simple white shirt is a quintessential clothing item.
- His behavior was the quintessential example of kindness.
Word origin and roots
- quinta — fifth (from Latin)
- essentia — essence (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- ultimate (something is the final, highest example)
- classic (something is a standard, timeless example)
- model (serving as the ideal to be followed)
Words with the same root
essentia — essence
- essence — the most important quality of something — its pure core
- essential — absolutely necessary — of the core essence
- quintuple — five times as much — five being the number of the final essence
Lesson notes
Quintessential. It means representing the perfect example of a quality or class. It is the core idea of something.
Similar words are ultimate, classic, and model. Use quintessential when pointing out the best example.
The simple white shirt is a quintessential clothing item. His behavior was the quintessential example of kindness.
Quinta means fifth. Essentia means essence. A quintessential thing has the final, perfect essence.