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Essential Vocabulary
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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 essence of satire and of satirical pieces.
• Oddly, a certain nastiness is the essence of satirists.
• Vanilla extract contains all the essence of 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 essential to a golden retriever.
• It is essential to 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 established law and order in the Old West.
• Congress establishes the laws by which we live.
• Johnny established his law office in New York City.
• Rose and Dorothy established a 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 esteemed Bert’s help in selecting colleges to apply to.
•I esteem your 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 ethical treatment of prisoners
of war.
• Many consider the testing of cosmetics on animals to be less than ethical.
• The legal profession’s ethical code 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 ethicist was consulted to help the hospital form a policy on treatment
of those without medical insurance.
• Ethicists are often consulted about genetic engineering projects.
[ethnician n.] [Syn. moralist]