basically

adverb

ba·​si·​cal·​ly ˈbā-si-k(ə-)lē 

also -zi-

1

a

: at a basic level : in fundamental disposition or nature

basically correct

basically, they are simple people

b

: for the most part

they basically play zone defense

2

: in a basic manner : simply

live basically

Synonyms of basically

• mostly
• mainly
• primarily
• largely
• chiefly
• predominantly
• generally
• principally

Examples of basically in a Sentence

your answer is basically correct

Recent Examples on the Web

The cinnamon sugar option offers a pretty shade (basically my lips but better) plus a super yummy scent. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

During the early days of the pandemic, when basically no one was traveling anywhere, the world ran out of room to store fuel that no one wanted, and oil was literally selling for negative dollars. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 June 2026

My kids John and Caitlin basically grew up on the beach. — Curbed Editors, Curbed, 23 June 2026

Gap is basically synonymous with go-to basics, and this V-neck is one such example of why. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a