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 if you live in America, or if you’ve even been privy to the country’s culture over the last century — Americentrism basically ensures that — Emma’s admission won’t come as a shock.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

"It would create profit when all they're doing is swapping players. So it was basically a way of getting around the regulations, increasing your limits and these academy players were being used as commodities."

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Confidential IPOs are basically a draft of the filing used by companies going public that outlines the business, risks, and recent performance.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“The ice, the frozen material, basically it’s kind of…a glue,” said Ashim Sattar, an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, who led research examining the South Lhonak Lake burst.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 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