essentially
adverb
es·sen·tial·ly
i-ˈsen(t)-shə-lē 
-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
Herbert ReadThe fact that so many bloggers are essentially anonymous allows them to spew rancor, rumor, lies, and obscenities.—Gil Troy
Gil TroyAphids feed on the sugary phloem of plants. Essentially they steal the product of photosynthesis.—Caleb Rounds
Caleb RoundsExamples of essentially in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The balance between breading and cheese was just right, and Basilico serves its marinara in what is essentially a small bowl, a wise move, considering the scale of the operation.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026
During the hearing, Shaleta remained in a holding area off the courtroom, essentially out of view.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
The savings essentially work out to getting 12 months for the price of 10.
—Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Miami is receiving a second-round pick in this year's draft from Charlotte, which essentially becomes additional compensation to settle a dispute surrounding the trade that sent Terry Rozier from the Hornets to the Heat two years ago.
—CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essentially
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Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026
During the hearing, Shaleta remained in a holding area off the courtroom, essentially out of view.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
The savings essentially work out to getting 12 months for the price of 10.
—Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Miami is receiving a second-round pick in this year's draft from Charlotte, which essentially becomes additional compensation to settle a dispute surrounding the trade that sent Terry Rozier from the Hornets to the Heat two years ago.
—CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essentially
Cite this Entry
“Essentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essentially. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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