esencialmente
adverbCEFR B2
What does “esencialmente” mean in English?
fundamentally or basically, referring to the core nature of something
Example sentences
El conflicto es, esencialmente, una disputa por el control de los recursos naturales.
The conflict is, essentially, a dispute over control of natural resources.
Ambas propuestas son esencialmente iguales, aunque presentadas de forma distinta.
Both proposals are essentially the same, although presented differently.
How to use it
Esencialmente (adverb, from esencial + -mente) means 'essentially' or 'fundamentally'. It typically opens or reinforces a clarifying statement in formal or argumentative writing: esencialmente, se trata de un problema de comunicación. Used to strip away detail and get to the core point.
Common mistake
Esencialmente (essentially, getting to the core of a matter) is more formal and analytical than básicamente (basically, more conversational) — prefer esencialmente in academic or argumentative writing.
Topics
Related B2 words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones: conectores del discurso.