basic and fundamental; the essential feature'

being or relating to or containing the essence of a plant etc; essential oil'

defining rights and duties as opposed to giving the rules by which rights and duties are established; substantive law

[ Syn: substantive ]

anything indispensable; food and shelter are necessities of life; the essentials of the good life; allow farmers to buy their requirements under favorable conditions; a place where the requisites of water fuel and fodder can be obtained

[ Syn: necessity , requirement , requisite , necessary ]

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary; essential tools and materials; funds essential to the completion of the project; an indispensable worker

[ Syn: indispensable ]

of the greatest importance; the all-important subject of disarmament; crucial information; in chess cool nerves are of the essence

[ Syn: all-important , all important , crucial , of the essence ]