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

“You basically have an environment where the economy is somewhat slowing” and the Fed is potentially “on the sidelines” keeping its benchmark rate steady on inflation risks, he said.

From MarketWatch

While not as good as Season 1, it’s still bingeable, ridiculous fun, basically TV’s version of a beach read.

From MarketWatch

“We are cellphones at this point, basically,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s basically like a global supermarket of fake police stations,” he said of recent findings in abandoned scam compounds.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I think now the chances that the United States will try to stop her have basically disappeared," Pinon told AFP, though he added that it was difficult to assess what the White House might do.

From Barron's

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly