essence

Meanings

• the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
• any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted
• the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
• a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor

Synonyms

burden, center, centre, core, effect, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, kernel, marrow, meat, nitty-gritty, nub, perfume, pith, substance, sum