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 one team that’s allowed to carry basically one of both, and that he gets special consideration,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Baddiley told the BBC: "This petition basically calls on the government for a level playing field - we have some of the most expensive industry costs in the world."

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

“We see those prices change basically on a daily basis, as it’s changing in the world market,” said Million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

At the Citrosuco plant in Polk County—which flew the Brazilian flag alongside the red, white, and blue—and at the Cutrale sites and even at Florida-based Peace River, it was basically Florida in name only.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

The kiddie “pool” is basically a large puddle on a slab of concrete.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly