the basic or most important idea or quality of something

The essence of his argument was that education should continue throughout life. 他的观点的要旨是教育应该持续终生。

Yet change is the very essence of life. 然而变迁恰恰是人生的本质。

relating to the most important characteristics or ideas of something

In essence, both sides agree on the issue. 从本质上说，双方在这个问题上的意见是一致的。

The charges, in essence, are that he dishonestly avoided paying tax.

In essence, the filibuster meant that the bill would never be brought to a vote.

What they said, in essence, was that we would never be welcome.

Their meetings were in essence a form of religious worship.

to be the most important thing

In any of these discussions, of course, honesty is of the essence. 当然，在探讨任何问题时都必须坦诚。

Time is of the essence. 时间至关重要。

With this form of communication, speed is of the essence.

Some of our patients are already very sick, so time is of the essence.

When speaking in public, clear diction is of the essence.

a strong liquid, usually from a plant or flower, that is used to add a flavour or smell to something

vanilla essence 香草香精

essence of violets 紫罗兰香精