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vital

adjective
vi·​tal | \ ˈvī-tᵊl How to pronounce vital (audio) \

Definition of vital

1a : of the utmost importance a vital clue vital resources
b : fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: such as
(1) : tending to renew or refresh the living : invigorating
(2) : destructive to life : mortal
2a : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life vital organs blood and other vital fluids
b : existing as a manifestation of life
3 : full of life and vigor : animated
4 : characteristic of life or living beings
5 : recording data relating to lives
6 : of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues
Other Words from vital Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about vital

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Other Words from vital

vitally \ ˈvī-​tᵊl-​ē How to pronounce vitally (audio) \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for vital

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character. conflict is essential in drama fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse. fundamental principles of algebra vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation. cut off from vital supplies cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. a cardinal rule in buying a home

Examples of vital in a Sentence

These matters are vital to national defense. The sciences are a vital part of the school curriculum. your heart, lungs, and other vital organs Exercise keeps her young and vital.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Investment in sustainable development initiatives in the Yazidi homeland is vital. — Nadia Murad, Twin Cities, "Nadia Murad: The genocide against the Yazidi continues," 4 Aug. 2019 For instance, Maharashtra’s Sahyadri tiger reserve, which forms the vital link between the northern and southern part of the western ghats, has no recorded tigers at present, while some years ago five to eight tigers were recorded here. — Mayank Aggarwal, Quartz India, "Can the uptick in India’s tiger population continue while their habitats shrink?," 2 Aug. 2019 Sign up for our daily newsletter and never miss our latest and greatest stories Technology Produced by WIRED Brand Lab for AT&T Self-driving cars are close to becoming a universal reality and connectivity plays a vital part in their operation. — Wired Staff, WIRED, "Bumps in the Road to Our Robocar Future," 2 Aug. 2019 The prospect of an energy jobs bonanza in a politically vital state stirred the interest of the White House. — Keith Schneider, ProPublica, "West Virginia Bets Big on Plastics, and on Backing of Trump Administration," 31 July 2019 O'Donnell believes her broadcast can be vital at a time when the most popular programs on cable news channels such as Fox News and MSNBC are hosted by political partisans. — Stephen Battaglio, latimes.com, "Norah O'Donnell tries to restore the house that Cronkite built at CBS News," 14 July 2019 Maria Sanders, an educator with New Mexico Donor Services, said medication after transplant surgery is vital so that the body doesn’t reject it as a foreign organ. — Fox News, "New Mexico parents charged with child abuse after missing appointments for baby who had liver transplant: report," 11 July 2019 Indeed, most doctors consider open communication about death vital, research shows. — Jeff Barker, baltimoresun.com, "Former Colt Bert Rechichar, who once held record for NFL’s longest field goal, dies," 20 July 2019 Yes, devices are a vital and necessary link for social groups and school. — Kristi Pahr, Washington Post, "Is teen sexting cause for concern, or no big deal? How to help kids stay safe online.," 19 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vital.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of vital

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

History and Etymology for vital

Middle English, from Latin vitalis of life, from vita life; akin to Latin vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

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More Definitions for vital

vital

adjective
How to pronounce vital (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of vital

: extremely important
: needed by your body in order to keep living
: very lively or energetic

See the full definition for vital in the English Language Learners Dictionary

vital

adjective
vi·​tal | \ ˈvī-tᵊl How to pronounce vital (audio) \

Kids Definition of vital

1 : concerned with or necessary to the continuation of life The heart and lungs are vital organs.
2 : full of life and energy At 80, he's still an active and vital man.
3 : very important a vital clue

Other Words from vital

vitally adverb These are vitally needed supplies.

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