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Definition of essentially

essentially

/ɪˈsɛn.ʃəl.i/
es · sen · tial · ly
Adjective:essential
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essentially Lexical Profile

essentially Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In respect of the most important or fundamental aspects of something; basically or fundamentally.

Example

"Although the two proposals use different terminology, they are essentially identical in their objectives."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for essentially

• Nearby Words

essen
essence
essential
essentially
essentialness
essequibo
establish

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to 'essential', which derives via Old French from Late Latin 'essentialis' and ultimately from the Latin verb 'esse' ('to be').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Essentially. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/essentially
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