Essential vs. Necessary

synonyms

This time, we've decided to focus on analyzing these two confusing words. When do we use each of them? Well, we're about to find out.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both adjectives indicate importance; however, 'essential' suggests that something is indispensable or vital, while 'necessary' suggests that something is required or needed to achieve a particular goal or outcome.

Differences

'Essential' refers to something that is absolutely necessary or crucial to the existence, function, or success of something else. It suggests that something is indispensable or vital, and cannot be omitted or replaced. For example:

Water is essential for life.

Good communication skills are essential for success in business.

'Necessary' refers to something that is required or needed in order to achieve a particular goal or outcome. It suggests that something is required for a specific purpose or situation, but may not be indispensable or vital in all circumstances. For example:

It is necessary to have a driver's license to operate a vehicle.

It is necessary to study for the exam in order to pass.

Similarities

'Essential' and 'necessary' have similar meanings in that they both convey a sense of importance and urgency, and suggest that something cannot be omitted or ignored without negative consequences. Take a look at the examples:

Proper training is essential for athletes to perform at their best.

It is necessary to have a valid passport to travel internationally.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although they both indicate importance and requirement, they cannot be used interchangeably because they have slightly different connotations and uses. Compare the sentences below:

✓ Having mentally stable parents is necessary, but not everyone has them.

X Having mentally stable parents is essential, but not everyone has them.

Here, the sentence is grammatically correct, but 'essential' is not the appropriate word because people can still live without mentally stable parents.

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