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Essentially Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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essentially

[ɪˈsɛnʃəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in essence

Used to emphasize the basic, fundamental, or intrinsic nature of a person, thing, or situation.

Synonyms

basically, fundamentally, in essence.

Examples of usage

  • Essentially, the problem boils down to a lack of communication.
  • The company is essentially bankrupt.
  • He is essentially a good person.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a nutshell

Used to give a brief summary or explanation of something.

Synonyms

briefly, concisely, in summary.

Examples of usage

  • Essentially, we need to focus on improving efficiency.
  • The plan is essentially to expand our reach.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often explore what it means to say something is 'essential', diving into debates about existence and reality.
  • In existentialism, understanding something 'essentially' can mean grasping its true nature beyond superficial attributes.
  • Aristotle discussed 'essences' in his works, focusing on what defines various entities and their classifications.

Linguistics

  • 'Essentially' plays a crucial role in clarifying complex ideas, acting as a bridge to distill sophisticated thoughts into simpler language.
  • In spoken language, it often serves as a filler word, signaling that the speaker is about to summarize or clarify.
  • The use of 'essentially' can change the tone of a statement, making it feel more definitive and confident.

Usage in Everyday Language

  • In conversations, people frequently use it to emphasize the core message, like saying 'Essentially, we need to work together.'
  • 'Essentially' is often found in academic writing, helping to convey complex theories in a clearer manner.
  • It can also be used in persuasive speech to reinforce key arguments, as in 'Essentially, this is why we should take action now.'

Origin of 'essentially'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'essentia', which means 'essence' or 'being', reflecting its focus on fundamental nature.
  • It first appeared in English during the 15th century, showing how long people have been discussing what things really mean.
  • Related words like 'essential' and 'essence' emphasize the importance of core qualities or characteristics.

The word 'essentially' comes from the Latin word 'essentialis', which means 'of the essence' or 'related to the nature of something'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century, originally in the sense of 'in an essential manner'. Over time, it has evolved to convey the idea of something being fundamental or intrinsic.

See also: essentialist, essentiality, essentials, inessential, nonessential.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,324, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.