essentially different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essentially different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the distinction between two objects, ideas, or situations. For example, "The two pieces of art are essentially different, despite having similar subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is writing essentially different from psychology?

The Guardian - Books

But the atmosphere was essentially different from that of Cleopatra.

The Guardian - Film

It's an essentially different way of looking at injuries.

The New York Times

Also, softball has suffered from guilt by association with baseball, although they are essentially different sports.

The New York Times - Sports

We are damned if we could see anything essentially different in their expressions.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gough could bring two essentially different acting styles to his range of roles.

The New York Times - Arts

But its coverage was not essentially different from what Today and PM were providing.

Independent

In multicellular animals (Metazoa), reproduction takes one of two essentially different forms: sexual and asexual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later in his life, he expresses similar views in a way that is more tactful rather than essentially different.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The general consensus among those of us in authority is that teenagers are essentially different from us "normal" humans.

The Guardian

"A lot of female geeks really object to the idea that women and men are essentially different.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "essentially different" to underscore key distinctions when comparing two or more concepts, ensuring clarity and preventing potential confusion among audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "essentially different" when a simple "different" suffices. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essentially different" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to emphasize the degree of difference. It underscores a fundamental distinction, going beyond mere superficial variations, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "essentially different" is a powerful tool for emphasizing significant distinctions between concepts or entities. As Ludwig AI underlines, it functions as an adjectival phrase, stressing fundamental differences that go beyond superficial variations. Predominantly found in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts, its formality ranges from neutral to formal. When writing, reserve "essentially different" for comparisons where the distinctions are truly substantial, avoiding overuse in simpler scenarios. Instead of using platitudes, this detailed exploration offers practical insights on how to maximize the impact of this phrase, prevent common mistakes, and find the best alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamentally distinct

Emphasizes a deep, foundational difference.

markedly dissimilar

Highlights a noticeable difference.

substantially contrasting

Indicates a significant level of difference.

distinct in nature

Focuses on the inherent differences in quality or character.

qualitatively disparate

Stresses differences in kind rather than degree.

categorically unalike

Indicates an absolute difference in category.

intrinsically diverse

Highlights inherent variety within.

altogether different

Emphasizes a complete or total difference.

poles apart

Highlights opposition between the two.

worlds away

Suggests the ideas are very far from each other.

FAQs

How can I use "essentially different" in a sentence?

You can use "essentially different" to highlight significant distinctions between two or more things. For example, "Although they share a common ancestor, dogs and cats are "essentially different" in their behavior and needs."

What are some alternatives to "essentially different"?

Alternatives include "fundamentally distinct", "markedly dissimilar", or "substantially contrasting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very essentially different"?

Yes, adding "very" before "essentially different" is generally redundant. The word "essentially" already implies a fundamental or significant difference.

What's the difference between "essentially different" and "slightly different"?

"Essentially different" implies a major, fundamental distinction, while "slightly different" indicates only a minor or superficial variation.