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

The answer is that this is the easiest possible Mars surface mission because the helicopters are basically print-to-order, and the mission won’t require a separate lander. —David W. Brown, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026

The AirPods Max are basically what happens when Apple decides to turn luxury into sound. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026

Which, basically, is a GEEK, or NERD, or BLERD (a Black nerd), or FANBOY, or FANGIRL, none of which are used here in any derogatory way, and are generally interchangeable. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

After the crisis, Munir was promoted to field marshal, and he was then elevated to the new office of the Chief of Defense Forces, which basically gives him control over the entire military. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a