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

Kempton was basically a liberal, but WFB loved to publish him in National Review — which rubbed some people the wrong way: people who thought of NR as more of a political enterprise than a magazine. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Nov. 2024

Everything this offseason basically revolves around Juan Soto and his free agency decision. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

That's basically a traditional, boozy jello shot, just made to look like a deviled egg, which might make for a fantastic Thanksgiving Day surprise for your family. —Karri Peifer, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024

The Pentatonix soundtrack—and, like, lots of screen time from the band members, who are basically costars of the film—is both a vibe and totally absurd. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a