es·sence 
/ˈɛsn̩s/ noun
/ˈɛsn̩s/ noun 1 [singular] : the basic nature of a thing : the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is
▪ The essence of love is unselfishness. ▪ The book's illustrations capture the essence of the story. ▪ Competition is the (very) essence of capitalism. 2 [noncount] : a substance that contains in very strong form the special qualities (such as the taste and smell) of the thing from which it is taken
▪ essence of peppermint/lemon
▪ The essence of love is unselfishness. ▪ The book's illustrations capture the essence of the story. ▪ Competition is the (very) essence of capitalism.
▪ essence of peppermint/lemon
in essence
: at the most basic level
▪ He was in essence [=basically, essentially, fundamentally] an honest person. ▪ In essence, I believe that a real solution is not possible.
▪ He was in essence [=basically, essentially, fundamentally] an honest person. ▪ In essence, I believe that a real solution is not possible.
of the essence
: of the greatest importance
▪ Time/speed is of the essence when dealing with a medical emergency.
▪ Time/speed is of the essence when dealing with a medical emergency.
