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 basically just says that a fisher must have an employment contract in writing and that salaries should be paid in intervals, but does not specify the time frame," he said.

From Barron's

The previous system was basically a modified sudden death system that gave each team at least one chance to score — with one big exception.

From Los Angeles Times

Or, in the words of Harris herself, it’s “where you can go online to get basically the latest of what’s going on, and also to meet and revisit with some of our great courageous leaders.”

From Salon

"It is my personal belief that every one of us, every human being, is basically good at the core," Judge Eric Bentley said.

From BBC

What I said basically is how many conflicts are there right now all around the world?

From BBC

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly