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

Before that, there was basically nothing publicly linking him to this process or any other billion-dollar sports sale in the past. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2025

And, for the record, my muscles were basically non-existent. —Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025

One of these absolutes is that idea that having walkable cities or towns means no cars, fewer cars, extra taxes or tolls on cars—basically any notion that feels like a punishment to car drivers. —Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025

The original music video is basically a love letter to the sandwich itself, packed with shoutouts to favorite bodegas, playful debates over prices, and the kind of everyday moments that define a New York morning. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a