essence

/ˈɛsəns/ · 2 syllables

Meaning

noun

1. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
   “the gist of the prosecutor's argument”
2. any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted
3. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
4. a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor

Synonyms for essence

• kernel
• substance
• core
• center
• centre
• gist
• heart
• heart and soul
• inwardness
• marrow
• meat
• nub
• pith
• sum
• nitty-gritty
• effect
• burden
• perfume

Words that rhyme with essence

• quintessence
• acquiescence
• adolescence
• luminescence
• senescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• evanescence
• fluorescence
• obsolescence
• phosphorescence