Essentially
/ɪˈsɛnʃəli/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn the most important ways; fundamentally.
/ɪˈsɛnʃəli/
In the most important ways
Essentially, the meeting was a waste of time.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: 'Essentially' means 'basically' or 'the most important thing is'. It helps you get to the heart of the matter. Imagine you're explaining what a car is; you might say, 'Essentially, a car is a machine that helps people travel.'
👶 For kids: It means 'mostly' or 'the most important part'.
More Examples
Essentially, we have to agree on the main point.
Essentially, her argument was valid.
The movie, essentially, is a love story.
How It's Used
"Essentially, the project failed due to lack of funding."
"Essentially, the company's success depends on its innovative products."
In a way that relates to the most important characteristics or nature of something.
/ɪˈsɛnʃəli/
By its nature or character
The novel is, essentially, about the search for truth.
💡 Simply: This is when you're describing the real, true nature of something. For example, 'Dogs, essentially, are loyal creatures.' You're saying that loyalty is a key part of what makes a dog a dog.
👶 For kids: When you're saying what something really IS.
More Examples
We, essentially, are social creatures.
The design is, essentially, very practical.
The program, essentially, can solve this problem.
How It's Used
"The artist is, essentially, a creator of beauty."
"A house essentially is shelter."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
be essentially
to be in the most basic or important way.
"A good friend *is essentially* someone who supports you."
From Late Latin *essentialis* meaning 'relating to the essence', derived from Latin *essentia* 'essence', which comes from *esse* 'to be'.
Appeared in English in the early 17th century, initially tied to philosophical discussions about the essence of things.
Memory tip
Think of the word's 'essence'. It highlights the core or fundamental aspect.
Word Origin
"relating to the essence"