basically

adverb
UK: /ˈbeɪ.sɪ.kəl.i/
US: /ˈbeɪ.sɪ.kəl.i/

  1. In the main or most important way; essentially.

    1. He's basically a good person. [ ] [ ]
    2. The problem is basically that we don't have enough money to complete the project. [ ] [ ]

  2. Used to explain something in a simple, general way.

    1. It's basically a box with buttons. [ ] [ ]
    2. Software development basically involves writing code, testing and debugging. [ ] [ ]

  3. Used to emphasize the most important fact about something.

    1. Basically, what I'm saying is, we need help. [ ] [ ]
    2. Basically, it's a question of whether or not they can afford to do it properly. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

largely essentially fundamentally primarily mainly

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "basically" in English means: In the main or most important way; essentially., Used to explain something in a simple, general way., Used to emphasize the most important fact about something..

The phonetic transcription of "basically" is /ˈbeɪ.sɪ.kəl.i/ in British English and /ˈbeɪ.sɪ.kəl.i/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "basically": largely, essentially, fundamentally, primarily, mainly.

Example usage of "basically": "He's basically a good person.". More examples on the page.