in essence
Fundamentally; basically. Yeah, in essence, that's what I'm trying to say. In essence, she's a good person—you just need to get to know her better In essence, I'm filling John's position, yeah, but only for the week while he's out on vacation.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in essence
basically; essentially. I have lots of detailed advice for you, but in essence, I want you to do the best you can. In essence, lightning is just a giant spark of electricity.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
in essence
Basically, by nature, as in He is in essence a very private person or In essence, they were asking the wrong question. This term employs essence in the sense of "intrinsic nature," a usage dating from the mid-1600s.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
in essence
By nature; essentially: He is in essence a reclusive sort.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.