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

Your pictures are basically a bit dull. —Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026

Other notable Yanks with those qualities have basically held their noses and endured these months of attritional-style tennis, counting the days until the grass and hard courts of summer. —Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026

But there also was the reality of the Thunder basically playing with their food for two-plus quarters before putting down the hammer. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026

The same day, in an unusual confluence in policy, Gavin Newsom basically endorsed the president’s initiative. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a