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

• quasi-basically adverb

Etymology

Origin of basically

First recorded in 1900–05; basic + -ally

Example Sentences

"He had to go. I have basically done your job for you these last few nights," Fiona said to a shocked Rachel.

From BBC

Key details: Almost all the new job openings were in retail, warehouses and transportation — basically the package-delivery system for online consumer and business sales.

From MarketWatch

Key details: Almost all the new job openings were in retail, warehouses and transportation — basically the package-delivery system for online consumer and business sales.

From MarketWatch

“He basically said, ‘You sound just like your old man.’”

From Los Angeles Times

“If you guys will tell us we can have the same location, we can basically re-create the same restaurant,” Leonard said before the executive order was announced.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly