DictionaryAI

basically

adverb
BAY-sik-lee/ˈbeɪ.sɪk.(ə.)li/

2 meanings of basically

Practice

  1. 1
    adverb
    Used to give the main point or sum things up, sometimes just as filler with little real meaning.

    Basically, we just need to leave earlier next time.

    So, basically, the whole thing fell apart at the last minute.

    UsageIt can go at the start, in the middle or at the end. Try not to use it too much when you write.

    Note
  2. 2
    adverb
    In the most important ways, when you leave out the small details.

    The two phones are basically the same, apart from the color.

    By lunchtime the report was basically finished.

    Similaressentially

Practice

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Origin

From the word "basic" plus the ending "-ally".

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact