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

Because Don Bellisario, who creatied this show, basically commissioned the writer at the time, Jesse Stern, to create this character. —Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026

Aurora has also put in place what is basically a copy of the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act, which are the privacy restrictions that some in the data center industry are pushing for the state to weaken. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

And these are basically Israeli demands. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026

Troma was a big North Star for our style, basically. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a