Definition

Being the most perfect or typical example of something; representing the essence of a particular quality or type.

Example

She is the quintessential artist, always expressing her emotions through her work.

Conversation

Have you seen that new café in town?

Yeah, I went there yesterday! It’s the quintessential place for coffee lovers.

I definitely need to check it out then.

You should! The atmosphere is just perfect.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Quintessential → It is formed from "quint-" (from Latin "quintus", meaning fifth) and "essentia" (meaning essence). The word refers to the fifth element, which was believed to be the essence of all things, thus describing something that is the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'fifth element' ('quint-') representing the purest form of something ('essentia') — that's why quintessential means the perfect example of a quality.

Visually Confused Words