adverb
essentially
In the most basic or important respects.
The two plans are essentially the same despite their different names.
Etymology
The adverb focuses on what belongs to the essence of something. It describes the basic character that remains when secondary details are set aside.
More examples
- This tiny apartment is essentially one large room.
- Her new job is essentially an extension of her old role.
- The proposal remains essentially unchanged after weeks of debate.
Forms
Similar words
- basically
- More conversational; often introduces a simplified summary of something.
- fundamentally
- Emphasizes underlying principles or structure rather than surface details.