[adverb] at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature; "He is basically dishonest"; "the argument was essentially a technical one"; "for all his bluster he is in essence a shy person" Synonyms:basically, fundamentally, essentially, au fond
[adverb] with regard to fundamentals although not concerning details; "in principle, we agree" Synonyms:in principle, in theory
[adjective] being the essence or essential element of a thing; "substantial equivalents"; "substantive information" Synonyms:substantial, substantive