Quintessential

Meanings

1. Representing the most perfect example of a quality or class
2. The most typical
3. The purest embodiment

Example Sentences

• "Chai and samosa is the quintessential Indian evening snack combination."
• "She is the quintessential entrepreneur — creative, driven, and resilient."
• "The Howrah Bridge is a quintessential symbol of Kolkata's heritage."

Etymology

From Medieval Latin 'quinta essentia' (fifth essence). In ancient philosophy, the four elements were earth, water, air, and fire. The 'fifth essence' was the pure, heavenly substance that made up the stars — the most refined form of anything.

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