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

So basically, each asset class has a target and (the investment teams) go and invest according to those targets. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025

Moms, college kids, teen boys—basically anyone can use a convenient crossbody belt bag, especially one that’s super-popular, as an alternative to bulky backpacks. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 11 Nov. 2025

Omarion Hampton is expected back after the Chargers’ Week 12 bye, so Vidal’s 2025 lifespan is basically one game now. —Michael Salfino, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025

Close behind this mini-murderer’s row of female artists with four nods is Zach Top, a neotraditionalist who’s found favor across basically all country quadrants. —Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a