Learner's definition of ESSENCE
1
[singular] : the basic nature of a thing : the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is本质；实质；要素 -
The essence of love is unselfishness.爱的本质是无私。
-
The book's illustrations capture the essence of the story.这本书的插图突显了故事的要义。
-
Competition is the (very) essence of capitalism.竞争是资本主义的本质。
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香精；精油
in essence
: at the most basic level本质上；实质上；基本上 -
He was in essence [=basically, essentially, fundamentally] an honest person.他本质上是个老实人。
-
In essence, I believe that a real solution is not possible.从本质上讲，我认为不可能有真正的解决办法。
of the essence
: of the greatest importance极其重要的；必不可少的