relating to the most important characteristics or ideas of something

In essence, both sides agree on the issue. 从本质上说，双方在这个问题上的意见是一致的。

The charges, in essence, are that he dishonestly avoided paying tax.

In essence, the filibuster meant that the bill would never be brought to a vote.

What they said, in essence, was that we would never be welcome.

Their meetings were in essence a form of religious worship.

See also: essence (IMPORTANCE)