basically

[ bey-sik-lee ]

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.”

basically

/ 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

Other Words From

• qua·si-ba·si·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of basically¹

First recorded in 1900–05; basic + -ally

Example Sentences

Ramaswamy has still gone further, asking to retract appropriations to programs whose congressional authority has lapsed—which include resources like veterans’ health care—and basically do a sort of Twitter Files–style “exposé” of budgetary allowances.

From Slate

The combination of visuals and the audio and the haptics of the seats — all of those things were brought to bear to try and basically turn on its head the whole idea of suspension of disbelief, so that you’re having to remind yourself that it’s not real, as opposed to pretending that it is.

From Los Angeles Times

However it "basically stopped him in his tracks in Zimbabwe" as the private schools were his harvesting ground, he said.

From BBC

I’ve seen her campaign transform from basically her and her communications director Naomi Villagomez Roochnik to everyone now wanting an audience with the Eastside’s newest power broker.

From Los Angeles Times

He basically said, "People have always wanted me to tell my story, and I've never been that interested, but I love your films, and I had the idea that you could make a documentary about me, and when you were done with it, you could throw away the visuals and do it again as Lego."

From BBC

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly