Basically
/ˈbeɪsɪkli/
adverbBeginner🔥Very CommonDescription
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase1 question
Definitions
1
In essence; fundamentally.
/ˈbeɪsɪkli/
adverbneutralBeginner
Description
In the most essential respects; fundamentally.
Basically, the plan is to leave early.
💡 Simply: It means 'essentially' or 'in short'.
More Examples
2
It's basically the same as the last model.
How It's Used
Everyday Conversation
"Basically, I'm too tired to go out tonight."
Explanations
"Basically, the experiment failed due to a faulty sensor."
Idioms & expressions
Basically speaking
To put it simply; in essence.
"Basically speaking, the project is behind schedule."
From "base" + "ally", meaning fundamentally or essentially.
The usage has remained relatively consistent since its emergence, primarily as an informal way to convey fundamental meaning.
Memory tip
Think of a 'base' – the foundation, the essential part.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"The root 'base' signifies the foundation or essential part; '-ally' functions as an adverbial suffix."
basically speakingbasically the same
Common misspellings
basiclybasicaly
Practice
Usage
85%Spoken
60%Written