Basically
/ˈbeɪsɪkli/
adverbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
In essence; fundamentally.
/ˈbeɪsɪkli/
adverbneutralBeginner
General
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.
Practice
basiclybasicaly
Usage
85%Spoken
60%Written