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

• altogether
• by and large
• chiefly
• generally
• largely
• mainly
• mostly
• overall
• predominantly
• primarily
• principally
• substantially

Examples of basically in a Sentence

your answer is basically correct

Recent Examples on the Web

One house is basically flattened, another partially collapsed, and others damaged. —Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2025

The woman refused to move and passive-aggressively had her teenage sons come and sit next to her and basically half-sit on my lap. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025

Imagine basically being on the verge of spinning out and crashing into a wall while attempting to go as fast as possible — all with 35 other cars racing around you trying to do the same thing. —Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

Also, his team told him over the radio, basically, don’t do anything stupid, Nato is going to be penalized for not using all his Attack Mode. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a