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

• mostly
• mainly
• primarily
• largely
• chiefly
• predominantly
• generally
• principally

Examples of basically in a Sentence

your answer is basically correct

Recent Examples on the Web

Good content with bad audio is basically unlistenable. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025

My hormones are very low—testosterone basically negative, estrogen and progesterone low—but since my cancer was triple negative and not hormone receptive, there’s no clear guardrail for treatment. —Melissa Showers, Flow Space, 8 Sep. 2025

And basically my big mouth (hurt me). —David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2025

So basically, no meeting yet for Meghan Markle, Prince Archie, or Princess Lilibet with the rest of the family. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a