adj
quintessential
kwihn-tih-SEHN-shuhl
adj
1
Representing the most perfect or typical example of something.
"A cosy pub by a fireplace is the quintessential English winter scene."
"He's the quintessential absent-minded professor."
How to Use Quintessential
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe most perfect, typical, or defining example of a type of thing.
Common pairings
the quintessential example
quintessentially British
Word Forms
more quintessential comparative, quintessentials plural, most quintessential superlative
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A cosy pub by a fireplace is the _____ English winter scene.
Etymology
Built from "quintessence" plus the adjective suffix "-al"; "quintessence" itself comes from the old idea of a mysterious "fifth element" beyond earth, air, fire, and water.