in essence

adverb

with regard to fundamentals although not concerning details

-

in principle, we agree

• Syn: ↑in principle, ↑in theory

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ESSENTIALLY, basically, fundamentally, primarily, principally, chiefly, predominantly, substantially; above all, first and foremost; effectively, virtually, to all intents and purposes; intrinsically, inherently.

→ essence

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adverb

: essentially, basically, fundamentally

from that day onward he became in essence a painter — E.O.Malley

art issues … were in essence political though presented with masks of aesthetics — Americana Annual

the conflicts between labor and capital often give rise to what are in essence lynchings — F.W.Coker

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in essence

Basically, fundamentally

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Main Entry: ↑essence

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in essence formal phrase

used for emphasizing what is the most important feature of something

What she is saying, in essence, is that the law does not protect against this type of abuse.

Thesaurus: words used for saying that something is important_synonym

Main entry: essence

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basically and without regard for peripheral details; fundamentally

in detail the class system is complex but in essence it is simple

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in essence

: at the most basic level

He was in essence [=basically, essentially, fundamentally] an honest person.

In essence, I believe that a real solution is not possible.

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Main Entry: ↑essence