Contents |
English
Etymology
From Middle English < Old French < Latin vītālis (“of life, life-giving”) < vīta (“life”) < vīvō (“live”).
Pronunciation
Adjective
vital (comparative more vital, superlative most vital)
- Relating to, or characteristic of life.
- Necessary to the continuation of life; being the seat of life; being that on which life depends.
- The brain is a vital organ.
- Invigorating or life-giving.
- The sun’s vital radiation.
- Necessary to continued existence.
- The transition to farming was vital for the creation of civilisation.
- Relating to the recording of life events.
- Birth, marriage and death certificates are vital records.
- Important
- It is vital that you don't forget to do your homework.
Derived terms
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Related terms
External links
- vital in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- vital in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
French
Etymology
From Latin vītālis (“of life, life-giving”).
Pronunciation
Adjective
vital m. (f. vitale, m. plural vitaux, f. plural vitales)
Galician
Etymology
From Latin vītālis (“of life, life-giving”).
Adjective
vital m. and f. (plural vitais)
Related terms
Spanish
Adjective
vital m. and f. (plural vitales)
See also
Related terms
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Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:48:18 GMT+00:00
CNNMoney ... money into a communal pot that the government can use to perform vital functions that no charity does -- like provide infrastructure and defense. ...
