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vital

vi·tal

vital

 
 
pronunciation:
vaI tl
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: pertaining to or characteristic of life.
The nurse checked the patient's heartbeat and other vital signs.
synonyms:
life
similar words:
animate, breathing, living, viable
definition 2: necessary to maintain life.
The heart and lungs are vital organs.These foods contain vital nutrients.
similar words:
life-giving, living, restorative
definition 3: full of life, vigor, or energy.
My grandmother is still vital at ninety years of age.
synonyms:
animated, energetic, live, lively, vivacious
antonyms:
listless, mechanical
similar words:
active, alive, animate, bouncy, brisk, bubbling, dynamic, indispensable, peppy, sparkling, spirited, sprightly, vibrant, vigorous, zippy
definition 4: of critical importance; essential.
It is vital that you get her to the emergency room immediately.This is a vital step in the process and must not be overlooked.
synonyms:
critical, crucial, essential, indispensable, necessary
antonyms:
dispensable, inessential, peripheral, unimportant
similar words:
capital, cardinal, central, great, imperative, important, material, paramount, pivotal, requisite, significant
definition 5: fatal; deadly.
The soldier dealt his enemy a vital blow.
synonyms:
deadly, fatal, lethal, mortal
similar words:
fateful, killing
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derivation: vitally (adv.)
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  organ
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