Word
quintessential
Meanings
Being the most typical, perfect, or representative example of a particular kind.
Having the key qualities that define or characterize something.
Definition
Quintessential means representing the most typical or perfect example of something.
If something is quintessential, it has the most important qualities that people associate with a particular type of person, place, or thing. It is the clearest, most representative example. You can use it to describe both positive and neutral examples, and it is often used in writing and formal speech.
Examples
- The small town is the quintessential place for a quiet weekend.
- Her black dress is a quintessential example of simple elegance.
- That scene feels quintessential to the whole movie.
- He plays the quintessential hard-working underdog in the series.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use quintessential to mean merely “very good,” but it specifically means “the most typical or representative.”
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.