vital

adjective vi·tal \ˈvī-t^əl\

: extremely important

: needed by your body in order to keep living

: very lively or energetic

Full Definition of VITAL

a : existing as a manifestation of life

b : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life <vital organs> <blood and other vital fluids>

: full of life and vigor : animated

: characteristic of life or living beings

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>

: recording data relating to lives

: of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues

— vi·tal·ly \-t^əl-ē\ adverb

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Origin of VITAL

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VITAL

Synonyms: dynamic, energetic, flush, gingery, lusty, peppy, red-blooded, robust, vigorous

Antonyms: dull, lethargic, listless, sluggish, torpid

Synonym Discussion of 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>.