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Basically vs Essentially - What's the difference?

basically | essentially | Synonyms |

Essentially is a synonym of basically.



As adverbs the difference between basically and essentially

is that basically is in a fundamental, essential or basic manner while essentially is in an essential manner; in essence.

basically

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • in a fundamental, essential or basic manner
    • They've added some fancy features, but it's basically still a car.

    essentially

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • In an essential manner; in essence.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-03
    • , author=(Henry Petroski) , title=Opening Doors , volume=100, issue=2, page=112-3 , magazine= citation , passage=A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place. Applying a force tangential to the knob is essentially equivalent to applying one perpendicular to a radial line defining the lever.}}

    Synonyms

    * actually, at bottom, at heart, basically, centrally, characteristically, factually, fundamentally, in essence, in the main, inherently, intrinsically, naturally, substantially