How Do You Spell QUINTESSENCE?

Pronunciation: [kwˈɪntɛsəns] (IPA)

Quintessence is spelled with a "qu" at the beginning, which is pronounced as /kw/. The next syllable is spelled with an "i" followed by a "n", which is pronounced as /ɪn/. The third syllable is the same as the second one, pronounced as /ɪn/. The fourth syllable is spelled with a "t" followed by an "e" and two "s's", which is pronounced as /tɛs/. The final syllable is spelled with an "e" followed by an "n" and a "c", which is pronounced as /ɛns/. Together, the word is pronounced as /kwɪnˈtɛsəns/.

QUINTESSENCE Meaning and Definition

1. Quintessence is a noun that refers to the purest or most essential form of something. It can also indicate the most perfect or ideal example of a particular quality or characteristic. The word is derived from the Latin word "quinta essentia," meaning "fifth essence," which was believed to be the element that served as the basis for all other substances in alchemy and ancient philosophy.

   In a literal sense, quintessence can be understood as an extraction or distillation of a substance to obtain its purest form. Figuratively, however, it has come to represent the essence or core of something, embodying its most essential qualities. It suggests the inherent and fundamental nature of an object or idea, capturing its true essence while stripping away any extraneous or superficial elements.

   The term is often used to describe the embodiment of a particular attribute or trait that is considered to be the most perfect or ideal. For example, one might refer to a virtuous person as the quintessence of goodness or a remarkable performer as the quintessence of talent. It implies an almost ethereal quality, where the essence is distilled to its purest form, leaving behind only the most important and admirable aspects.

   Quintessence is a versatile word that can apply to various fields, including literature, art, philosophy, and science. It highlights the quintessential nature of something, emphasizing its importance and exemplifying its most intrinsic qualities.

2. A concentrated extract.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. The pure essential part of anything; according to the alchemists, the highest essence of power in a natural body; a preparation consisting of a vegetable essential oil dissolved in spirit of wine.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for QUINTESSENCE

• qintessance
• 1uintessence
• 2uintessence
• wuintessence
• auintessence
• qyintessence
• qhintessence
• qjintessence
• qiintessence
• q8intessence
• q7intessence
• quuntessence
• qujntessence
• qukntessence
• quintesence
• quinitessence
• quittedsence
• quentessance
• quinitescence
• quintessencia

Etymology of QUINTESSENCE

The word "quintessence" has its origins in Latin and can be traced back to the combination of two Latin words: "quintus" meaning "fifth" and "essentia" meaning "essence" or "being".

In ancient Greek philosophy, it was believed that the world was made up of four basic elements: earth, air, fire, and water. However, there was also a fifth element, known as "aether", which was considered to be the purest and highest form of existence. This fifth element, known as "quintessence" in Latin, was considered to be the substance from which the celestial bodies were made, and it was believed to be incorruptible and immutable.

Over time, the concept of quintessence expanded beyond its original philosophical meaning and came to be associated with the finest or most essential aspect of something.

Similar spelling word for QUINTESSENCE

• quintessential.

Plural form of QUINTESSENCE is QUINTESSENCES