sense of essence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of essence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental nature or intrinsic quality of something, often in a philosophical or artistic context. Example: "In her artwork, she captures a profound sense of essence that resonates with the viewer on a deeper level."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When Basil and Gregory of Nyssa spoke of the Trinity as 'one ousía, three hypostáseis,' they were not, Philoponus continues, enunciating four primary substances, but used 'substance' (ousía) in the secondary, abstract sense of essence or universal nature.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I, q. 15), however, Henry clarifies that the primacy of one faculty over another can be understood in a double sense: "primacy of essence" should be attributed to voluntas, whereas "primacy of action" should be attributed to ratio.

SEP

"The energy that Amma transmits deepens our sense of inner essence," she said.

The New York Times

Each is driven by a sense of drama, whose essence is conflict.

The New York Times - Books

I was torn between a belief that the environment was crucial and everything we did mattered – an individualistic and slightly controlling conviction that leads every parent to beat themselves up on a regular basis – and a more fatalistic, or accepting, sense of the fundamental essence of being a baby.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a sense, the essence of all of Judaism is the capacity of a people to live with the unknown.

Huffington Post

"In a rough sense, the essence of all competitive politics is bribery of the electorate by politicians… The farmer… supports a candidate committed to high price supports, the businessman…supports an advocate of low corporation taxes… the consumer…votes for candidates opposed to a sale tax" (Dahl 1959, p. 69).

SEP

Pope wasn't talking about genius in the modern sense; he meant a kind of essence or spirit of the land.

The New York Times - Arts

Discourse and intercourse in the broad sense of that word are the essence and the comparative advantage of New York.

The Economist

That says a lot about the state's attitude to the individual's innocence before he has been tried, but even more about the state's odd sense of entitlement to the essence of each person.

The Guardian - Opinion

I worked some of my mother's qualities into Laura's character, and was guided by a certain sense of my mother's essence as I wrote the novel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "sense of essence", ensure that the context clearly defines what that essence refers to. This can enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity, especially in abstract discussions.

Common error

Avoid embedding the phrase "sense of essence" within overly complex sentences, which can obscure meaning. Simplify your sentence structure to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of essence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a subjective perception or awareness of the fundamental nature or intrinsic quality of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sense of essence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a deep, often intuitive, understanding or feeling about something's fundamental nature. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it is relatively rare in usage. Its contexts often lean towards formal and abstract discussions, encompassing philosophical, artistic, and academic domains. To enhance clarity when using the phrase, explicitly define the subject's essence to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of core

This alternative replaces "essence" with "core", suggesting a fundamental and central feeling.

awareness of nature

This shifts the focus to a realization or perception of something's inherent qualities.

intuition of being

This phrase emphasizes an instinctive understanding of existence or a fundamental state.

impression of soul

Here, the emphasis moves to an emotional or spiritual feeling connected to something.

perception of gist

This option concentrates on grasping the main point or central idea.

appreciation of spirit

This alternative focuses on valuing the underlying spirit or character of something.

realization of heart

This focuses on understanding the fundamental feeling or emotional core.

acknowledgment of substance

This alternative uses a more formal term, "substance", to describe something's fundamental nature.

grasp of element

This concentrates on understanding a basic or essential component.

recognition of kernel

Replacing essence with "kernel" suggests identifying a central point.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of essence" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of essence" to describe a deep understanding or feeling about the fundamental nature of something. For example, "The artist captured a profound "sense of essence" in her sculpture."

What are some alternatives to "sense of essence"?

Alternatives include "feeling of core", "awareness of nature", or "intuition of being", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "sense of essence" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "sense of essence" is relatively formal and is suitable for academic, philosophical, or artistic discussions rather than casual conversation.

What is the difference between "sense of essence" and "understanding of essence"?

"Sense of essence" implies a feeling or intuitive grasp, while "understanding of essence" suggests a more intellectual or cognitive comprehension.