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

Paul George basically came off the bench in Year 1 before blossoming in his third year. —Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 26 June 2025

As anyone who has spent June in D.C. might have expected, the air was thick and humid, and attendees were dripping with sweat basically as soon as the sun rose. —Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025

Where does this live in the Onion universe, basically. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025

None of the four Braves icons — Francoeur along with Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones and John Smoltz — in the home broadcast booth could contain their glee June 8, 2023, when Ozzie Albies’ walk-off homer capped a third straight comeback win and basically ended the Mets’ season. —Jerry Beach, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a