basically

American  

[bay-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

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Etymology

Origin of basically

First recorded in 1900–05; basic + -ally

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

basically

“They are basically another wife,” said Dr. Anika Ackerman, a 40-year-old urologist in Basking Ridge, N.J., who’s employed Theresa Boch as a house manager since April.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026

“When I did speak with Sen. Schumer on the phone, it was basically a ‘we will see,’” she said.

From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2026

"I heard someone the other day say they were 'walk-mogged' - basically just someone else in the street about their age walking faster than them," says Tony Thorne, a language consultant at King's College London.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

“Those are basically the three options — and none of those are going to be that pleasant for the governor or for the Legislature.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

When he doesn’t respond, I say, “I know we’re basically strangers, but you gotta trust me. Please?”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

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Related Words

• essentially
• mostly

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