quintessential
Meaning: Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class; embodying the essence of something.
Quintessential describes the purest, most characteristic instance of a category. 'The quintessential English village,' 'a quintessential example,' and 'quintessentially British' are extremely common collocations. The word implies that every defining feature of a type is present in concentrated form. It is widely used in journalism, travel writing, and cultural commentary — 'quintessentially' is one of the most frequently used adverb forms in feature writing about national identity.
Examples
- The thatched cottage with roses round the door is the quintessential image of the English countryside. 茅草屋顶的小屋门前环绕着玫瑰,是英国乡村最典型的意象。La casita con tejado de paja y rosas alrededor de la puerta es la imagen quintaesencial de la campiña inglesa.バラが門を囲む茅葺き屋根のコテージは、イングランドの田園風景の典型的なイメージである。장미가 문 주위를 감싼 초가지붕 오두막은 영국 전원 풍경의 전형적인 이미지이다.
- He is the quintessential diplomat — measured, discreet, and unfailingly courteous. 他是典型的外交官——沉稳、谨慎、始终彬彬有礼。Es el diplomático quintaesencial: mesurado, discreto e invariablemente cortés.彼は典型的な外交官だ――落ち着いていて、慎重で、常に礼儀正しい。그는 전형적인 외교관이다 — 침착하고, 신중하며, 한결같이 예의 바르다.
- The novel captures the quintessential experience of growing up in a northern industrial town. 这部小说捕捉了在北方工业城镇长大的典型经历。La novela capta la experiencia quintaesencial de crecer en una ciudad industrial del norte.その小説は、北部の工業都市で育つという典型的な経験を描き出している。그 소설은 북부 공업 도시에서 성장하는 전형적인 경험을 포착하고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: media, literary, general
Tone: positive
Origin & History
From medieval Latin quinta essentia (fifth essence), referring to the substance believed to compose celestial bodies, beyond the four terrestrial elements of earth, water, fire, and air. The 'fifth essence' was considered the purest and most concentrated form of matter.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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