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

"We know from social media... that this movie was basically being begged to be made."

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

“When you walk through the stations, you’re basically walking through a series of immersive artworks on every single level,” Yamamoto said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

One student confesses that when she lets AI do too much of the work, “my critical thinking skills basically vanish.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

He’s basically gone as big as he possibly can.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

I go inside to get my phone, and when I come out again, I basically throw it at her.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly