in essence

副词 in essence:

1. at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature
   同义词：basically, fundamentally, essentially, au fond
2. with regard to fundamentals although not concerning details
   同义词：in principle, in theory

1. The two arguments are in essence the same.
   这两个论点大致相同。
2. He is in essence a reclusive sort.
   他本质上具有一种隐士的气质
3. The two things are the same in outward form but different in essence.
   那两样东西在外表上相同，但在本质上不同。