The etymological origin of the indispensable term that we are now going to analyze is found in Latin. Specifically, it must be established that it is a word formed from the union of several lexical components:
-The prefix “in-”, which is synonymous with “without” and “no”.
-The “dis-” component, which is used to indicate separation.
-The verb “pensare”, which can be translated as “value” or “estimate”.
-The suffix “-ble”, which means “that can”.
The first meaning of the term indispensable mentioned by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) in its dictionary refers to that which cannot be dispensed with . The verb dispense, meanwhile, refers to delivering or granting; to absolve of a fault; or to exempt from an obligation.
However, the concept usually appears more frequently in its second meaning. What is indispensable, in this framework, is what is essential or necessary .
For example: “Cristiano Ronaldo is indispensable in the Portuguese national team: without his presence, the team cannot hope to compete with the powers” , “It is not essential to have a car to see the main attractions of the city since the transport system public is highly developed and efficient” , “It is essential that the government take measures to reduce inflation because the loss of purchasing power of citizens is increasingly noticeable” .
In addition to the words already mentioned, there are others that also function as synonyms for the indispensable term. This would be the case, for example, of precise, vital, essential, obligatory or irreplaceable.
On the contrary, among its antonyms, there are words such as secondary, auxiliary, dispensable, excusable or replaceable, for example.
What is essential cannot be avoided nor should it be missing . Suppose that a road is covered in snow: in this situation, it is essential that vehicles have chains on their wheels. The chains act as anti-slip, preventing the wheels from slipping and, thus, minimizing the risk of accidents. Without chains, however, drivers would lose control.
The coronavirus crisis worldwide has also brought about the use of the term in question. Thus, for example, it has been established that among the essential measures that must be implemented and that citizens must comply with to end this pandemic is that they remain confined to their homes. And, in this way, Covid-19 is prevented from continuing to spread.
Another example may be that when a baby is going to be born it is established that it is necessary for its parents to purchase a series of items that are considered essential for the baby's care and well-being. We are referring to clothes, bottles, a crib...
That a city has parks, squares and groves, on the other hand, is essential for its inhabitants to enjoy a good quality of life . Trees and plants help purify the air with photosynthesis , absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also generate psychological benefits in people by contributing to tranquility and relaxation. That is why it is essential that constructions and urban development do not threaten vegetation.