essentially /ɪˈsɛnʃəli/ adverb3 •In an essential way. •basically, in the most important ways, if not in every detailA: So you're saying, in other words, that he's greedy? B: Essentially, yes, that's what I'm saying. •In essence: by nature.The beaver is a social creature, not just occasionally but essentially. formsmore essentially · most essentially