essentially
ih-SEHN-shuh-lee
Essentially (adv) means Basically, or in the most important respects. Example: “Essentially, the plan stayed the same, just with a new deadline.”
adv
1
Basically, or in the most important respects.
"Essentially, the plan stayed the same, just with a new deadline."
"The two proposals are essentially identical."
"Both recipes are essentially the same, apart from a pinch of spice."
How to use essentially
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of saying "basically" or "at its core" when summing something up.
Common pairings
essentially the same
essentially identical
essentially unchanged
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more essentially
- Superlative
- most essentially
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Can you complete this real example?
_____, the plan stayed the same, just with a new deadline.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for essentially
See all rhymes for essentially →Frequently asked questions
What does “essentially” mean?
The word “essentially” means basically, or in the most important respects. In plain terms, a way of saying "basically" or "at its core" when summing something up.
How do you pronounce “essentially”?
“Essentially” is pronounced ih-SEHN-shuh-lee (/ɪˈsɛnʃəli/ in IPA).
How do you use “essentially” in a sentence?
Here is “essentially” used in a sentence: “Essentially, the plan stayed the same, just with a new deadline.”
What part of speech is “essentially”?
“Essentially” is an adverb.
Is “essentially” a common word?
“Essentially” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "essentially" and "basically"?
They overlap heavily and are often interchangeable. "Essentially" points to the true, core nature of something — what it is in essence. "Basically" leans toward simplifying or summarizing, as in "to put it plainly." In everyday speech the distinction is slight, and either can introduce your main point.
What does "essentially" mean in a sentence?
It signals that what follows is the core truth, setting aside minor details or exceptions. "The trip was essentially free" means that, apart from a few small costs, it amounted to free. It tells the listener to focus on the main point rather than the fine print.
Is "essentially" formal or informal?
It's neutral and works in both registers, appearing comfortably in academic and professional writing as well as casual conversation. Used too often as a filler, though, it can weaken your writing, so it's worth cutting whenever it adds nothing to the sentence.
What can I say instead of "essentially"?
Good alternatives include basically, fundamentally, in essence, in effect, and practically. Reach for "fundamentally" or "in essence" in weightier, formal contexts and "basically" in casual ones. All of them signal that you're stating the core of the matter.
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