quintessential

[kwin-tuh-sen-shuhl]

adjective

1. of the pure and essential essence of something.

   the quintessential Jewish delicatessen.

2. of or relating to the most perfect embodiment of something.

   the quintessential performance of the Brandenburg Concertos.

quintessential

/ ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. most typically representative of a quality, state, etc; perfect

Other Word Forms

• quintessentially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of quintessential¹

First recorded in 1545–55; quintessence ( def. ) + -ial ( def. ), on the pattern of essential ( def. )

Example Sentences

He was inspired in part by tiny Pomfret, Vt., home to a farm with classic red barns that offers the quintessential New England scenery.

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Michelle Hutson, 52, has been coming to the Family Drive-In since childhood, enjoying what is now a dying form of quintessentially American entertainment.

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By the end, it was almost easy to forget about the starting pitching performances that shaped such a quintessential, low-scoring, nerve-wracking October dog fight.

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For a quintessential way to wrap up a Driftless trip, grab a Spotted Cow and explore the grounds, built to resemble cathedral ruins.

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“The estate now looks like an American vision of a quintessentially English hunting estate,” said Catherine Hawkins, who has been spotting tankers from the outskirts of Andover.

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Related Words

• typical 
• ultimate