essentially

Everyday

1. Essentially means basically, in the most important way, when you leave out small details. tree →
2. (formal) Essentially can mean necessarily, as something that must be there. tree →

In the lessons

Used in explanations and summaries: «essentially, a bat is a flying mammal». In arguments it introduces the main point. Phrases: essentially the same, is essentially, essentially means.

Examples

• A tadpole is essentially a baby frog. tree →
• The two games are essentially the same, just with different colours. tree →
• Essentially, we need more chairs. tree →
• The story is essentially about friendship. tree →
• Multiplication is essentially repeated addition. tree →
• The plan is essentially finished. tree →
• This is an essentially Indian trait; almost all Hindus have some tribal or caste mark on their bodies or faces. tree →

Note

Comes from essential and essence. Note double l: essentially. Spoken English sometimes overuses it as a filler. In maths «essentially the same» does not mean exactly equal — check the numbers.

In Jewish tradition

Used in explanations and summaries: «essentially, a bat is a flying mammal». In arguments it introduces the main point. Phrases: essentially the same, is essentially, essentially means.

Note

Comes from essential and essence. Note double l: essentially. Spoken English sometimes overuses it as a filler. In maths «essentially the same» does not mean exactly equal — check the numbers.