Quintessential/ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Literary Emphasis Often used to stress distinctiveness in literature and critical essays. In this novel, the attic is the quintessential space of mystery. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact May carry a sense of admiration or high value when describing someone's trait. His bravery in the rescue was the quintessential heroism. Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Icon Used to describe a person or thing seen as a model within a culture. The Eiffel Tower is the quintessential symbol of Paris.