essentially

Word parts

essential + -ly

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ɪˈsɛnʃ(ə)li/

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• Hyphenation: es‧sen‧tial‧ly

Adverb

Positive essentially

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. If something is essentially true, it is true in the most basic case.
   • Synonyms: fundamentally, radically, basically and primarily

   He is essentially a good person.

   The plan is essentially flawed.

2. If something is essentially true, it is mostly true.

   The two products are essentially the same.

   Essentially, we have no other choice.

Related words

• essential