vital
gb/vˈaɪtəl/ us/vˈaɪtəl/
B1
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
absolutely necessary; essential
Very important and needed for something to work or happen.
Usage pattern:
[something] is vital for/to [something]
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'.
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.)
Collocations
vital role
|vital importance
|vital information
|vital part
|vital signs
Themes
daily life
|business
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Good communication is vital for a healthy relationship.
- Water is vital to human life.
- 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.
- It is vital to wear a seatbelt in a car.
- Sleep is vital for good health.
- Exercise is vital to stay strong.
adjective
technical
B2
property
2
relating to life processes
About things that keep a person or animal alive.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with the general 'very important' meaning; in medical contexts it refers specifically to life-related functions.
Synonyms
life-sustaining (More formal and specific to biological or medical contexts.)
Antonyms
nonessential (In medical terms, not necessary for life.)
Collocations
vital organs
|vital signs
|vital functions
Themes
science
|medicine
|health
Examples
- The heart is a vital organ.
- Doctors checked his vital signs before surgery.
- Oxygen plays a vital role in cell function.
Learner examples
- The brain is a vital organ.
- A doctor checks your vital signs.
- Air is vital for people and animals.
adjective
B2
property
3
full of energy and life
Full of life and energy.
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.)
Collocations
vital personality
|vital spirit
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|daily_life
Examples
- She has a vital personality that brightens the room.
- The festival was full of vital energy.
- He remains a vital force in the local art scene.
Learner examples
- She is a vital person with many ideas.
- The music made the room feel vital.
- He is still a vital man at 80 years old.
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.