in essence

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

In April, he announced his position to “leave it to the states,” in essence abdicating a strong stance on abortion access.

From Los Angeles Times

The suggestions here go by a bunch of different names, but the premise is the same: They’re things that, in essence, promote other things.

From Los Angeles Times

But in the United States’ unusual election system, there are in essence two counts —the popular vote and the results in the electoral college.

From Los Angeles Times

Was it hard to get back to that place after your comedy was in essence fact-checked?

From Los Angeles Times

The fliers, in essence, said, “Call for a good time,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• approximately
• basically
• essentially
• morally
• nearly
• virtually