quintessential

American  

[kwin-tuh-sen-shuhl] / ˌkwɪn təˈsɛn ʃəl /

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.

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quintessential British  

/ ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• quintessentially adverb

Etymology

Origin of quintessential

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

Example Sentences

Here McDermott’s inspired staging demonstrated that Glass’ forgiving personal portrait of Walt Disney makes it the quintessential Hollywood opera that no one dares bring to squeamish Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times

"The atmosphere, the air that you breathe here, is different -- there is something magic about it," he added, comparing the annual competition to the quintessentially British tennis championships at Wimbledon.

From Barron's

At first glance, it looks like nothing more than a charming Spanish-revival, quintessentially Californian home — but this Pacific Palisades rebuild is constructed like a tank.

From Los Angeles Times

When most people think about the quintessential student experience, they may conjure up images of late night parties, early morning lectures and spending time in the student union bar between classes.

From BBC

The novel begins with a quintessential 1940s California homemaker preparing for . . . something.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• typical
• ultimate