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

"And Prime Minister Takaichi is basically running on the popularity that she received being the first female prime minister and also being successful at diplomacy."

From BBC

Walmart’s proxy statements, which are basically briefings before annual general meetings, typically have come in April.

From MarketWatch

"Sabalenka will go away with a lot of things to think about - she basically capitulated."

From BBC

“It’s basically a pension paying more upfront to bridge you to Social Security, then stepping down once Social Security starts.”

From MarketWatch

And so there's a sort of sycophantic element of basically sort of talking to yourself in a way, like to a mirror.

From BBC

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly