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

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

“They screwed up, basically, and when you screw up, you gotta be accountable,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

If you shake the Lego boxes with the swapped contents, “they basically make the same sound,” Azarcon said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

“We basically built the space around the simulator and the gym,” said Hayes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

The movements to “Old Brass Wagon” have children in a circle, basically following the instructions in the song.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly