vital
gb/vˈaɪtəl/ us/vˈaɪtəl/
B1
English
~ 1900
létfontosságú, elengedhetetlen, vitális, életteli, energikus
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[something] is vital for/to [something]
Good communication is vital for a healthy relationship.
Az egészséges kapcsolathoz elengedhetetlen a jó kommunikáció.
Water is vital to human life.
A víz létfontosságú az emberi élethez.
It is vital that you attend the meeting tomorrow.
Accurate data is vital for making good decisions.
Learner examples
Food and water are vital for life.
Az élelem és a víz létfontosságú az élethez.
It is vital to wear a seatbelt in a car.
Autóban elengedhetetlen a biztonsági öv használata.
Sleep is vital for good health.
Exercise is vital to stay strong.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'vital' with 'alive' because of its similarity to 'vital signs'. In most everyday contexts, 'vital' means 'very important', not 'living'.
Meaning
absolutely necessary; essential
Collocations
vital role
|vital importance
|vital information
|vital part
|vital signs
Synonyms
essential (Slightly more formal and neutral in tone than 'vital'.)
|
crucial (Emphasizes decisive importance, often in critical moments.)
Antonyms
unimportant (Direct opposite, meaning not important at all.)
|
optional (Implies something is not required or necessary.)
Themes
daily life
|business
|science
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very important and needed for something to work or happen.
Extremely important and necessary for success, survival, or continued functioning.
B2
TECHNICAL
2
vitális
C1
The heart is a vital organ.
A szív létfontosságú szerv.
Doctors checked his vital signs before surgery.
Az orvosok a műtét előtt ellenőrizték az életjeleit.
Oxygen plays a vital role in cell function.
Learner examples
The brain is a vital organ.
Az agy létfontosságú szerv.
A doctor checks your vital signs.
Az orvos ellenőrzi az életjeleidet.
Air is vital for people and animals.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with the general 'very important' meaning; in medical contexts it refers specifically to life-related functions.
Meaning
relating to life processes
Collocations
vital organs
|vital signs
|vital functions
Synonyms
life-sustaining (More formal and specific to biological or medical contexts.)
Antonyms
nonessential (In medical terms, not necessary for life.)
Themes
science
|medicine
|health
Definition
About things that keep a person or animal alive.
Relating to or necessary for the maintenance of life in living organisms.
B2
3
She has a vital personality that brightens the room.
Életteli személyisége beragyogja a szobát.
The festival was full of vital energy.
A fesztivál tele volt pezsgő energiával.
He remains a vital force in the local art scene.
Learner examples
She is a vital person with many ideas.
Életteli ember, tele ötletekkel.
The music made the room feel vital.
A zene élettel töltötte meg a szobát.
He is still a vital man at 80 years old.
Meaning
full of energy and life
Collocations
vital personality
|vital spirit
Synonyms
lively (More casual and focuses on being active and animated.)
|
energetic (Focuses on physical or mental energy rather than overall vitality.)
Antonyms
lifeless (Lacking energy or liveliness.)
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|daily_life
Definition
Full of life and energy.
Displaying great energy, liveliness, or enthusiasm.
Grammar
Dictionary form
vital
IPA
GB/vˈaɪtəl/
US/vˈaɪtəl/
Syllables & stress
vi - tal (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (vi)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: vital
Word family
Core family
vitally
adverb
vitality
noun B2
Related words
revitalize
verb
revitalization
noun
Expressions
play a vital role
1/plˈeɪ ə vˈaɪtəl ɹˈoʊl/
fixed phrase
have an essential function in something
To be very important in making something happen or succeed.
Examples
- Parents play a vital role in their children's education.
- Clean water plays a vital role in public health.
vital signs
1/vˈaɪtəl sˈaɪnz/
fixed phrase
technical
measurements of key body functions
Numbers that show how your body is working, like heartbeat, breathing, and temperature.
Examples
- The nurse recorded the patient's vital signs before the doctor arrived.
- An increase in temperature was noted among the patient's vital signs.
of vital importance
1/əv vˈaɪtəl ɪmpˈɔɹtəns/
fixed phrase
formal
extremely important or essential
Very, very important.
Examples
- Security is of vital importance to the company.
- It is of vital importance that we finish on time.
of vital importance
2/əv vˈaɪtəl ɪmpˈɔɹtəns/
fixed phrase
absolutely necessary or critical significance
Extremely important; necessary for success or safety.
Examples
- It is of vital importance that you follow the safety rules.
- Honesty is of vital importance in any relationship.