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/kwɪnˈtɛs.əns/ · noun
A thing that is the most perfect example of its type; the most perfect embodiment of something; epitome, prototype..
As families and kindreds sometimes do; producing, after long ages of unnoted notability, some living quintescence of all the qualities they had, to flame forth as a man world-noted […]
The Pagans did well enough; I cordially admire the refinement of their minds; but it has been reserved for a Christian country to attain this extreme, this quintessence, this absolute of poignancy.
For vvhat is ſilke but eu'n a Quinteſſence, / Made vvithout hands beyond al humane ſenſe? / A quinteſſence? nay vvel it may be call'd, / A deathleſſe tincture, ſent vs from the skies, / VVhoſe colour ſtands, vvhose gloſſe is ne're appalld, […]
Let ther be Light, ſaid God, and forthwith Light, / Ethereal, firſt of things, quinteſſence pure, / Sprung from the Deep, […]
Use quintessence when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.
Quintessence means A thing that is the most perfect example of its type; the most perfect embodiment of something; epitome, prototype..
Common synonyms include archetype, epitome, example, exemplar.
The opposite depends on the specific sense.
As families and kindreds sometimes do; producing, after long ages of unnoted notability, some living quintescence of all the qualities they had, to flame forth as a man world-noted […]
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