A liquid crystal composition comprising as a first component at least two compounds selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1), and having a negative dielectric anisotropy: ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 is independently alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons; R.sup.2 is independently alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons, or alkoxy having 1 to 9 carbons; Z.sup.1 is independently a single bond, --C.sub.2H.sub.4--, --CH.sub.2O--, or --CH.dbd.CH--; ring A is independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; and n is independently 0 or 1.