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How to Say "fundamentally" in Spanish

English → Spanish

básicamente

adverbB1general
Use 'básicamente' when you want to express the most basic or essential point of something, often simplifying a complex idea to its core elements.

Examples

Básicamente, necesitamos más tiempo para terminar el proyecto.

Basically, we need more time to finish the project.

esencialmente

/eh-sen-syahl-MEN-teh//esenθjalˈmente/

adverbB2general
Choose 'esencialmente' when referring to the intrinsic nature or the most important characteristic that defines something, its root or foundation.
A single bright green seedling growing out of a small pile of rich brown soil.

Examples

La película es esencialmente una historia de amor.

The movie is essentially a love story.

Esencialmente, el plan no ha cambiado.

Basically, the plan hasn't changed.

Son dos problemas esencialmente diferentes.

They are two fundamentally different problems.

The '-mente' ending

This word is formed by taking the adjective 'esencial' and adding '-mente'. It works just like adding '-ly' in English to turn 'essential' into 'essentially'.

Sentence Placement

You can place this word at the very start of a sentence to summarize your point, or after the verb 'to be' (ser) to describe the core nature of something.

Using it for 'Necessity'

Mistake: “El agua es esencialmente para la vida.”

Correction: El agua es esencial para la vida. (Use the adjective 'esencial' for things that are required; use 'esencialmente' only to describe how something is done or its nature.)

Básicamente vs. Esencialmente

Learners often confuse 'básicamente' and 'esencialmente'. Remember, 'básicamente' is for the most basic or simple aspect, while 'esencialmente' describes the true nature or core identity of something.

Related Translations

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