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

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

Examples of basically in a Sentence

your answer is basically correct

Recent Examples on the Web

That was basically enough to erase all the other positives from a game the Chiefs should’ve won — and probably comfortably. —Jesse Newell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

Amazon Speaker Deals The Amazon Echo Dot rests on my shelf and basically runs my life. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025

Your exchanges and declarations are front and center, and your friends and family are basically watching your every move. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

America should basically cede that key technology of the Great Progression to Chinese global leadership. —Peter Leyden, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a