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

Some of these sows are basically caged for the majority of their breeding life — years — and are about the size of a black bear. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026

But this player isn’t in the portal right now, and this sort of thing is basically trying to coax them to enter it. —Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026

Qatar basically bought Trump a plane. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2026

And basically you’re allowed to not work for a while and spend down your accrual of points and still get coverage. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a