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

"It's basically about the satisfaction of starting with something untidy, learning the skills to bring order to the scene, then looking back at a job well done," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

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 be a surprise if the U.S. decides to pull out of the region and basically tell Iran it can just have the strait, said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist at LPL Financial.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

And let’s not forget that SpaceX basically “invented the modern commercial space business by pioneering reusable rockets,” Al writes, which has been a Pretty Big Deal.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

She is really, really pretty and totally different looking from basically anyone else I’ve ever seen before.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly