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

"The human eye is basically the best camera that could ever or will ever exist," Kelsey Young, the lead scientist for the Artemis 2 mission, told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

"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

“Every unit is an end unit. You basically live in your own house, and you have a backyard, which a lot of townhomes don’t,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

And then you showed him an essay, which—no offense—is a really weird thing to do, and the essay basically blamed him for making you sad.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly