Main Entry:: vi·tal
Pronunciation:: \ˈvī-t^əl\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English, from Latin vitalis of life, from vita life; akin to Latin vivere to live — more at quick
Date:: 14th century

1 a: existing as a manifestation of life b: concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life <vital organs> <blood and other vital fluids>2: full of life and vigor : animated3: characteristic of life or living beings4 a: fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: as (1): tending to renew or refresh the living : invigorating (2): destructive to life : mortal b: of the utmost importance <a vital clue> <vital resources>5: recording data relating to lives6: of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues

synonyms see essential

— vi·tal·ly

\-t^əl-ē\ adverb

Learn more about "vital" and related topics at Britannica.com

See a map of "vital" in the Visual Thesaurus

Find Jobs in Your City

Pronunciation Symbols