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

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

John Barnard, a wetland specialist, said: "There are historical records of swallowtails right across East Yorkshire. So bringing milk parsley back basically puts things in place for where they originally lived."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 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

Between her sparkling teeth, her blindingly white blouses, and her overall way-too-bright energy, Autumn’s mother is basically sunlight personified.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly