The basic nature of a situation

The idea

Essentially means in its basic nature or most important respects.

Examples

• The two proposals are essentially the same.
• The job is essentially a teaching role.
• Their argument is essentially about trust.
• The recipe is essentially a vegetable soup.
• Our plan remains essentially unchanged.
• The festival is essentially a community celebration.

Watch out

It does not assert that every detail is identical.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the word for the basic nature. The designs differ in colour but are ___ the same. (essentially / rarely)

   Show answer or example answer

   essentially

   essentially: The designs share their main features.

2. Choose the word for the basic nature. Her role is ___ to help clients. (essentially / yesterday)

   Show answer or example answer

   essentially

   essentially: The role is fundamentally about helping people.

3. Choose the word for the basic nature. The dispute is ___ about access. (essentially / upstairs)

   Show answer or example answer

   essentially

   essentially: The issue at its core concerns access.

Use it today

Describe the basic nature of a project.