essentiellement

essentially

adverb eh-sahn-syeh-luh-MAHN Rare

Also means

primarily

Usage Note

Essentiellement is a high-register adverb used to indicate that something is the core or most important aspect — 'essentially', 'primarily', or 'above all'. It is a false friend for English speakers: it does NOT mean 'especially' (surtout) or 'mainly' (principalement) in all contexts, though usage overlaps. In philosophy and academic writing it carries a more precise technical sense of 'in essence'.

Examples

"Ce projet est essentiellement terminé."

Natural Translation

This project is essentially finished.

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