essentially
adv. US //ɛˈsɛnʃəɫi// UK //ɪsˈɛnʃəlˌi// es·sen·tial·ly
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1 basically or fundamentally (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatebasically; used when you are describing the most important part of something.
fundamentally or inherently; used to highlight the core characteristic of a thing or situation despite superficial details.
ExampleThe two mobile phones are essentially the same, though they look different.
ExampleWhile the two political proposals differ in their specific wording, they are essentially advocating for the same structural reforms to the tax system.
UsageOften functions as a sentence adverb or modifies an adjective to simplify a comparison.
Teacher's tipLearners often over-use 'basically' in formal writing; 'essentially' is a more sophisticated alternative for academic or professional contexts.
From essential + -ly.
- Adjectiveessential
- Adjectivequintessential
- Adverbessentially