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essence

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time is of the essence

Time is a key consideration in this situation (often because time is limited or a specific deadline must be met). Has anyone called an ambulance? Time is of the essence with this man's injuries! We have to get these pages to the printer by 8, so work faster, people—time is of the essence!

See also: essence, of, time

in essence

basically; essentially. I have lots of detailed advice for you, but in essence, I want you to do the best you can. In essence, lightning is just a giant spark of electricity.

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Time is of the essence.

Timing and meeting all the deadlines are essential and required. (Often seen in contractual agreements.) The final payment is due on the first day of December, by midnight. Time is of the essence.

See also: essence, of, time

of the essence

most important When someone has a heart attack, time is of the essence - you need to begin treatment immediately.

See also: essence, of

be of the essence

to be the most important thing for achieving success Time is of the essence because the building must be completed by June. For successful military strategy, secrecy is of the essence.

See also: essence, of

in essence

Basically, by nature, as in He is in essence a very private person or In essence, they were asking the wrong question. This term employs essence in the sense of "intrinsic nature," a usage dating from the mid-1600s.

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of the essence

Of the greatest importance, crucial, as in Time is of the essence. This idiom, which uses essence in the sense of "the most important element of something," was first recorded in 1873, although the phrase the essence of ... was already being used in the mid-1600s.

See also: essence, of

in essence

By nature; essentially: He is in essence a reclusive sort.

See also: essence

of the essence

Of the greatest importance; crucial: Time is of the essence.

See also: essence, of