quintessential

/ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃ(ə)l/adjective

Being the clearest and most typical example of something.

Example sentence

“A picnic in the park is the quintessential summer afternoon.”

From 'quintessence', the fifth element of medieval philosophy, purer than earth or fire. Now a fancy way to say most perfectly typical.

Featured as word of the day on April 13, 2026.

Related words

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