essentially
word
/ɛˈsɛnʃəɫi/
i-SEN-shuh-lee
/ɪsˈɛnʃəlˌi/
i-SEN-shuh-lee
Definition
Used to say that something is true in its most important or basic way, even if there are some small differences.
Usage & Nuances
'Essentially' is a formal or neutral adverb, often used to summarize or clarify what is most important about a situation. Common with 'the same,' 'different,' or 'true.' Not typically used in casual spoken English as much as 'basically.'
Spanish: esencialmente - básicamentePortuguese (BR): essencialmente - basicamentePortuguese (PT): essencialmente - basicamenteChinese (Simplified): 本质上 - 基本上Chinese (Traditional): 本質上 - 基本上Hindi: मूलतः - मुख्य रूप सेArabic: في الأساس - بشكل أساسيBengali: মূলত - আসলেRussian: по сути - в сущности - в основномJapanese: 本質的に - 基本的にVietnamese: về cơ bản - về bản chấtKorean: 본질적으로 - 기본적으로Turkish: özünde - esasenUrdu: بنیادی طور پر - اصل میںIndonesian: pada dasarnya - pada intinya
Example Sentences
Essentially, the two proposals are the same.
basic
The movie is essentially about friendship.
basic
She is essentially a kind person.
basic
I'm essentially finished with my work, just some details left.
natural
They’re essentially saying the same thing in different words.
natural
The restaurant is essentially closed on Mondays, but sometimes they make exceptions.
natural