Attention is the currency of the world overloaded with information. Understanding what is important and what is secondary is becoming more and more difficult. Therefore, the expressions used to enhance what was said and highlight certain parts of the text are becoming very popular. For example, the expression “vitally important” has mainly an amplifying meaning, not having its own in most cases of use. That is, without context, it is almost meaningless.
Literal meaning
An exception is the phrase “vital organ” in medicine. There are parts of the body without which life becomes worse in quality, but if they are lost, it still continues.
An example is the kidney (if the second is functioning well) and other paired organs, gall bladder, appendix. And there are organs whose dysfunction of which casts doubt on the possibility of life - the liver, heart, and brain regions responsible for vital functions. In this context, the phrase “vital” is completely justified. Other examples of justified use can be found in military affairs, in epidemiology, that is, in those areas where there is a real threat to the physical existence of people.
Exaggerated seriousness
But if we talk about the presence of vital goals of a person, then we inevitably bring a subjective component into our statement. Physical existence will undoubtedly not end if a person fails to achieve what he wants. However, the phrase “vital” is still pronounced because the speaker wants to emphasize the seriousness of the goals and his responsible attitude to them. It is not for nothing that there exists a related expression “the question of life and death”, which, mind you, is also used not only in really serious situations that threaten the body.
Caution Propaganda
What can be vital goals? The most justified, from the point of view of linguistics, will be the meaning of "providing a roof over your head, nutrition, security."
If you hear people seriously say “vital” in an inadequate situation, be careful - maybe it's just a manipulation. Analyze the behavior of others. Propaganda of unusual “vital” goals is widely carried out in sects, closed communities.
All less value
Any language is threatened with the depreciation of words. This is especially true of lexical units and phrases with reinforcing expressions. The psyche of the listeners gets used to the sound of “scary” phrases, especially if they are not used justifiably enough, and after that they can ignore the obvious danger, simply because the word “got lost” and stopped paying attention to it. This fate did not escape the expression “vital” - now it has also become familiar, and often people simply omit it when perceiving speech. Therefore, if you are writing a report or creating a presentation, it is better not to use this concept. They will let him pass his ears, and they will consider you an ordinary “aquarius”. In public speaking, laconicism is required much more than in written speech. By the way, be careful when writing. In scientific works, the expression "vital" can be used only in literal meaning (military affairs, medicine). Even in the humanities departments there are lovers of criticizing speech, and sometimes these lovers even read scientific papers.
Vital is an initially strong expression that has become weak due to inappropriate use. Therefore, if you pretend to be educated and have a good language taste, do not use it outside the literal meaning. Spoil your reputation, but you will not achieve your goals - getting attention. According to a person’s speech, it is easy enough to draw conclusions about his personality. Do not give reason to suspect yourself of the lack of independent thinking and sufficient courage.