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

Freedom of navigation, Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni told journalists, means "basically no payment or toll whatsoever".

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

In 2022, Baena competed on Season 31 of “Dancing With the Stars” and used his bodybuilding chops to pull off challenging lifts, basically bench-pressing his partner Alexis Warr mid-tango.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Full-year earnings forecasts for 268 companies in the S&P 500 are basically unchanged since the start of the Iran war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

"It would create profit when all they're doing is swapping players. So it was basically a way of getting around the regulations, increasing your limits and these academy players were being used as commodities."

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

It will sound basically the same, except that it will sound higher or lower.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly