of the essence

Idioms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

of the essence

Timing, however, is of the essence for fire survivors.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026

Time is of the essence, say top EU officials.

From Barron's ● Apr. 28, 2026

Jane stressed "time is of the essence", as antiviral treatment within 48 hours can reduce the risk of severe symptoms.

From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2026

Speed is of the essence because, nearly a month in, disruptions are spreading.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026

If there was to be any chance of sorting out this mess before sunrise, speed was of the essence.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023