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

Smith’s gateway to country music when he was a kid was Garth Brooks, whose flamboyant live approach in the ’90s was basically that of a rock star.

From Los Angeles Times

One PSF basically describes how an infinitely small point source of light originating in the sample is widened and spread into a three-dimensional diffraction pattern by the optical system.

From Science Daily

"That first 18 league was basically the brainchild and the inspiration of the 1999 World Cup, and so that was the first start of an iteration of a league that was professional for women's soccer."

From BBC

Moments like these are basically what the internet was made for.

From Salon

"He would go from having five days a week in school in a supported environment with his peers to basically having nothing and being at home with me."

From BBC

Related Words

• essentially
• mostly