basically

American  

[bey-sik-lee] / ˈbeɪ sɪk li /

adverb

1. in a way that involves or affects the fundamental character or condition.

   The building needs a few repairs, but is basically sound.

2. as a recap of the main point or idea; if put simply or briefly.

   Basically, her advice boils down to “Eat a sensible, balanced diet, and relax.”

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basically British  

/ ˈbeɪsɪklɪ /

adverb

1. in a fundamental or elementary manner; essentially

   strident and basically unpleasant

2. (sentence modifier) in essence; in summary; put simply

   basically we had underestimated mother nature

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• quasi-basically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of basically

First recorded in 1900–05; basic + -ally

Example Sentences

"Basically, we're planning to shut down," Svetlana, the owner of a maternity and kids brand in the Far East city of Khabarovsk, said.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Basically, I was one of the few children with sight in that elementary school.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Basically, the cup with handle depicts of pattern of rally, rest, retest and resumption.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Basically, there were three types of people: people who only book homes, people who only book hotels and, it turns out, most people are open to doing both.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Basically, a seizure is an electrical storm in your brain's nerve cells.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly