Essentially — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /i-ˈsen(t)-shə-lē/ es·sen·tial·ly

Meaning & Definition of Essentially

Essentially (adverb)

  1. 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

Essentially (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in basically, fundamentally

    similar: basically, elementally, fundamentally, congenitally, constitutionally, inherently, innately, intrinsically, naturally, instinctively, intuitively, intimately
    opposite: artificially, unnaturally

Related Entry: Essential (adjective)

Essential is a different word from Essentially. The synonyms below are for essential, not for essentially.

  1. impossible to do without

    "a well-stocked public library is essential for the well-being of a community"

    similar: all-important, critical, imperative, indispensable, integral, must-have, necessary, necessitous, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital, of the essence
    related: prerequisite, compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, obligatory, consequential, crucial, important, major, material, meaningful, momentous, significant, substantial, weighty, basic, central, fundamental, key, organic, insistent, persistent, pressing, urgent
    opposite: dispensable, inessential, needless, nonessential, unessential, unnecessary, unneeded
    near: undesired, unwanted, inconsequential, insignificant, unimportant, excess, external, extra, extraneous, superfluous, surplus

  2. of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject

    "anyone with an essential knowledge of human biology can follow the documentary"

    similar: abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, elementary, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying
    related: primal, primary, prime, simple, crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated, preliminary, preparatory, crucial, important, key
    opposite: advanced
    near: complex, sophisticated, complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate, developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

  3. being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing

    "an unquenchable belief in the essential goodness of most people"

    similar: built-in, constitutional, constitutive, hardwired, immanent, inborn, inbred, indigenous, ingrain, ingrained, inherent, innate, integral, intrinsic, native, natural, in one's blood
    related: basic, deep-rooted, elemental, fundamental, congenital, hereditary, inherited, inmost, inner, interior, internal, characteristic, distinctive, peculiar, habitual, inveterate, normal, regular, typical
    opposite: adventitious, extraneous, extrinsic
    near: alien, foreign, accidental, coincidental, incidental, acquired, adscititious, superficial, surface, exterior, external

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Essentially

The most common words with a similar meaning to Essentially:

basically, elementally, fundamentally, congenitally, constitutionally, inherently, innately, intrinsically, naturally, instinctively, intuitively, intimately

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Essentially

Words with the opposite meaning of Essentially:

artificially, unnaturally

Origin & Etymology of Essentially

First known use: 1774

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Essentially

Frequently Asked Questions about Essentially

What does "Essentially" mean?

"Essentially" means 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. As an adverb, it is defined as: 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.

What is another word for "Essentially"?

Other words for "Essentially" include basically, elementally, fundamentally, congenitally, constitutionally, inherently, innately and intrinsically. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Essentially" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Essentially"?

There are 12 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Essentially". Common alternatives include basically, elementally, fundamentally, congenitally, constitutionally, inherently, innately, intrinsically, naturally and instinctively.

What is the opposite of "Essentially"?

Antonyms of "Essentially" include artificially and unnaturally.

Is "Essentially" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Essentially" is an adverb.

Is "Essentially" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Essentially" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Essentially"?

"Essentially" is pronounced /i-ˈsen(t)-shə-lē/ and divided into syllables as es·sen·tial·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Essentially"?

First known use: 1774.