essentially

adverb

es·​sen·​tial·​ly i-ˈsen(t)-shə-lē How to pronounce essentially (audio)
-ˈsench-lē
: in essence : fundamentally
used to identify or stress the basic or essential character or nature of a person or thing or to say that a description is basically true or accurate
He's essentially a good man.
… painting, essentially a two-dimensional art …Herbert Read
The fact that so many bloggers are essentially anonymous allows them to spew rancor, rumor, lies, and obscenities.Gil Troy
Aphids feed on the sugary phloem of plants. Essentially they steal the product of photosynthesis.Caleb Rounds

Examples of essentially in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By 1900, African Americans were essentially excluded from the job of blacksmith and were being excluded from skilled trades. Sonari Glinton, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 The reversible design has a navy and white pattern on one side and a colorful version on the back that’s essentially two pillows in one. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 26 June 2025 Much of the package, with its tax breaks and bolstered border security spending, is essentially drafted. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 26 June 2025 The azul and chrome essentially trade places with Vancouver, which falls to 10-3-5. SDFC has outscored its opponents 22-8 in nine road matches this season. Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for essentially

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of essentially was in 1774

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Cite this Entry

“Essentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essentially. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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