essence

[1]	kernel , quintessence , quiddity , substance , core , (essential) nature , substance , center , centre , spirit , being , gist , heart , heart , core , heart and soul , inwardness , pith , kernel , marrow , meat , marrow , soul , nub , pith , significance , (active) principle , sum , nitty-gritty , crux , cornerstone , foundation-stone , (Colloq) bottom line
[2]	extract , concentrate , distillate , elixir , tincture
[3]	in essence , effect , burden , essentially , basically , core , gist , fundamentally , materially , substantially , at bottom , in the final analysis , au fond , in effect , virtually
[4]	of the essence , perfume , essential , critical , crucial , vital , indispensable , requisite , important