Essentially

adv. [f. as prec. + -LY².] In an essential manner.

  1.  fig. In essence; with respect to essence; as an essential attribute or constituent.

1398.  Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., III. xiv. (1495), 58. A myȝte of y^e soule essenciably [? read essencialli] yeue to werke and doo his dedes in y^e body.

1534.  More, Answ. Poysoned Bk., Wks. 1121/1. The glory of his godhed is, to be present and to fill al places at ones assencially.

1597.  Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. lxviii. (1611), 367. They define not the Church by what the Church essentially is.

a. 1631.  Donne, Serm., i. (1634), 7. To see that God essentially and face to face.

1665.  Glanvill, Sceps. Sci., 22 (J.). Body and spirit … are essentially divided, though not locally distant.

1715.  De Foe, Fam. Instruct., I. i. (1841), I. 20. Jesus Christ is essentially God, though in a second person.

1835.  Foster, in Life & Corr. (1846), II. 301. Principles which are essentially inherent in your institution.

  † b.  On the ground of (one’s) actual nature.

1593.  Shaks., 2 Hen. VI., V. ii. 39. He that loues himselfe, Hath not essentially, but by circumstance The name of Valour.

1624.  Gataker, Transubst., 4. And in like manner is the bread said to be the Body of Christ,… not really or essentially, but typically and sacramentally.

  † c.  In fact, really. Obs.

1602.  Shaks., Ham., III. iv. 187. That I essentially am not in madnesse, But mad in craft.

  d.  In respect of the essential points, materially, substantially.

1774.  Burke, Corr. (1844), I. 483. My opinion … does not … essentially differ from that of your lordship.

1823.  Lamb, Elia, Ser. II. xxiv. (1865), 405. A form of words—literally false, but essentially deceiving no one.

1856.  Kane, Arct. Expl., I. xxiii. 304. Its [Arctic Petrel’s] food is essentially marine, the acalephæ &c &c.

1875.  Bryce, Holy Rom. Emp., v. (ed. 5), 56. The impression which the three narratives leave is essentially the same.

1879.  J. Timbs, in Cassell’s Techn. Educ., IV. 7/1. She [i.e., a steamship] was, as a whole, essentially completed.

  e.  In the proper or essential function.

1609.  Dowland, Ornith. Microl., 51. Rests are placed in songs after three manners … Essentially when they betoken silence.

  2.  a. Indispensably.

1757.  Foote, Author, I. I believe her Brother’s consent essentially necessary.

1812.  Wellington, in Gurw., Disp., IX. 122. Some supplies essentially necessary to both armies.

  b.  In a marked or eminent degree; eminently.

1593.  Drayton, Past. Eclog., VIII. (R.). None are so essentially high As those that on her [Wisdom’s] bounty do rely.

1713.  Addison, in Guardian, No. 3, ¶ 4. Knowledge … truly and essentially raises one man above another.

1869.  Mem. J. Grey, 40. That blessed union … has contributed so essentially to the happiness and prosperity of both [countries].