| 1. |
(adverb) with regard to fundamentals although not concerning details; "in principle, we agree" |
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Synonyms: in principle, in theory |
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| 2. |
(satellite adjective) being the essence or essential element of a thing; "substantial equivalents"; "substantive information" |
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Synonyms: substantial, substantive |
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| 3. |
(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" |
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Synonyms: au fond, basically, essentially, fundamentally |
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