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

All the judges are basically making Psyduck faces. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is basically a big hot dog limo. —Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Intelligence is basically anything with a pretty clear definition between the set of correct and incorrect answers—think tasks in coding, mathematics, physics, and even some tasks in accounting, law, or medicine. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026

Biscuits, waffles, pancakes and eggs — basically, all your breakfast dreams come true — plus classic diner lunches and home-style dinner staples are coming up fast at a James Beard Award semifinalist’s new restaurant in where Plaza Midwood and Plaza Shamrock meet. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a