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

There’s a possibility that I might have the genes to live into my 90s, but my dad was in the military for 25 years so all his healthcare is basically free.

From MarketWatch

One of the key sources of inspiration was just the simple observation that today we’re just surrounded by filters, AI, memes and all this imagery that is basically in our social feeds all the time.

From The Wall Street Journal

"If you succumb to temptation you basically give in. You eat that biscuit and then you carry on eating."

From BBC

"It came from a way of us basically trying survive back then, and has kind of grown from just seeing what's absolutely missing for bereaved families," Ms Jackson said.

From BBC

"I'm going to have to try and pull something out of the bag. Half the flight will be everyone from Broadheath - it'll basically be a Mancunian flight!"

From BBC

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly