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

The Lakers have basically two tradeable picks (one first, one second) and a roster stocked with low-value contracts. —Dan Woike, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

The ice is basically like moving concrete. —CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

Many observed that the handheld pie is basically a hot pocket or Cornish pasty. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026

This is basically a more dramatic tax penalty imposed on teams based on four-year windows, incentivizing owners not to spend excessively over the salary cap for prolonged periods of time. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a