es·sen·tial·ly | \ i-ˈsench-lē 
, -ˈsen(t)-shə- \
, -ˈsen(t)-shə- \Definition of essentially
: 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 accurateHe's essentially a good man.… painting, essentially a two-dimensional art …— Herbert ReadThe fact that so many bloggers are essentially anonymous allows them to spew rancor, rumor, lies, and obscenities.— Gil TroyAphids feed on the sugary phloem of plants. Essentially they steal the product of photosynthesis.— Caleb Rounds
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Time Traveler for essentially
The first known use of essentially was in 1774
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