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

But that’s basically it and if I don’t ask, he doesn’t check in.

From MarketWatch

So, basically, fans will start finding out what moves their teams make and where various players will land starting Monday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bruins came firing back, led by Dent, who basically took a blowtorch to the Trojans’ defensive plans.

From Los Angeles Times

This world-beating growth --- India's economy roughly doubles in size every decade, compared to Japan, which has basically flatlined -- has helped transform the country.

From Barron's

Luckily for them, Dave did then perform the track - which basically proves that peer pressure does indeed work.

From BBC

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly