basically
BAY-sihk-lee
Basically (adverb) means In essence; when reduced to the most important point. Example: “Basically, we're over budget and behind schedule.”
adverb
1
In essence; when reduced to the most important point.
"Basically, we're over budget and behind schedule."
"The plan is basically the same as last year's."
"Basically, you press the green button and wait for the light to change."
How to use basically
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word used to sum something up simply, or as a casual filler at the start of a sentence.
When to use it
Very common in speech as a filler word; in formal writing it's better to state the point directly rather than lead with "basically."
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more basically
- Superlative
- most basically
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, we're over budget and behind schedule.
Etymology
From basic + the adverb suffix -ally.
Synonyms
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essentially
in essence
at its core
primarily
effectively
in short
mainly
fundamentally
more often than not
Related words
Rhymes for basically
See all rhymes for basically →Frequently asked questions
What does “basically” mean?
The word “basically” means in essence; when reduced to the most important point. In plain terms, a word used to sum something up simply, or as a casual filler at the start of a sentence.
How do you pronounce “basically”?
“Basically” is pronounced BAY-sihk-lee (/ˈbeɪ.sɪk.(ə.)li/ in IPA).
How do you use “basically” in a sentence?
Here is “basically” used in a sentence: “Basically, we're over budget and behind schedule.”
What is another word for “basically”?
Words with a similar meaning to “basically” include fundamentally and more often than not.
What part of speech is “basically”?
“Basically” is an adverb.
Is “basically” a common word?
“Basically” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between basically and essentially?
They are close synonyms, both introducing the core of a point. 'Basically' feels more casual and conversational, often used to simplify or sum up in speech. 'Essentially' sounds a little more formal and precise. In most sentences you can swap one for the other, though 'basically' can also work as a filler word.
Is 'basically' formal or informal?
'Basically' leans informal and is very common in everyday speech. It works well for simplifying an idea, but it is often overused as a filler, adding little meaning. In formal or academic writing, editors tend to cut it or replace it with 'essentially', 'fundamentally' or 'in essence' for a cleaner, more precise tone.
How do you use 'basically' in a sentence?
It usually introduces a simplified summary, as in 'Basically, we ran out of time' or 'The plan is basically finished'. It signals that what follows is the heart of the matter, stripped of detail. Used sparingly it aids clarity, but dropping it into every sentence quickly makes speech sound vague and repetitive.
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