basically

[bey-sik-lee]

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.”

basically

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• quasi-basically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of basically¹

First recorded in 1900–05; basic + -ally

Example Sentences

Simultaneously, broad nativist fear of immigrants, and their labor, led to 1921 and 1924 acts creating restrictive quota systems basically eliminating immigration from anywhere but northwest Europe and the New World.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Along with its partner, the ticker, the telephone completed an investor tool kit that would stay basically unchanged for decades, through crash, depression and war.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

I have lived basically my whole life up to now not caring about being strong.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The stock is basically trading like a distressed equity when the risk factors are similar to other large-cap pharma companies—namely, loss of patent protection, drug pricing issues, and such.

Read more on Barron's

The Conservatives are basically only being kept afloat in the polls at the moment by the over 75 age category.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• essentially 
• mostly