basically

basically — adverb

1. if you describe something as being a particular way basically, you mean that thi

1.adverbB2
Definition

if you describe something as being a particular way basically, you mean that this is true of its main quality, even though smaller details may differ.

Example

Priya's old Nokia and her new iPhone look different, but basically they both make calls and send messages.

describing a shared core feature despite surface differences

Priya's job is basically to answer customer emails all day.

basically + to-infinitive summarising main duty

Common collocations
  • basically the same
  • basically identical
  • basically similar
  • basically a [noun]
Synonyms
  • essentially

    slightly more formal; same meaning of 'in its main qualities'

  • fundamentally

    stresses the deepest level of a quality, often in serious writing

  • mainly

    focuses on the largest part rather than the core nature

Antonyms
  • superficially

    describes only the surface, opposite of the core-quality meaning

Grammar Patterns

basically + adjective/clause describing core trait

Usage Note

Often modifies a whole clause and sits before the main verb or after 'be'. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense compares features of a thing; sense 2 introduces a speaker's overall point in conversation.

Common Mistakes

The two cars are same basically.
The two cars are basically the same.
place 'basically' before the adjective, not at the end.
Basically of, the plan worked.
Basically, the plan worked.
'basically' is an adverb, not a preposition; no 'of' follows it.

2. speakers use this word to introduce a short summary of the most important thing

2.adverbB2
Definition

speakers use this word to introduce a short summary of the most important thing they want to say, often to skip over smaller details before giving an opinion or conclusion.

Example

Basically, Yael wants to quit her job and travel for a year.

Basically, + clause introducing the speaker's main point

I won't list every number, but basically our bakery made two thousand dollars last year.

summarising a longer report in one sentence

Common collocations
  • basically speaking
  • basically what I'm saying
  • basically yes/no
  • but basically
Synonyms
  • essentially

    more formal substitute when summarising in writing

  • in short

    stronger signal of a summary; common in writing

  • to put it simply

    longer phrase used to rephrase a complex idea

Grammar Patterns

Basically, + clause

Usage Note

Frequently sits at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma, and is common in spoken English. Some careful writers avoid it because it can sound like a filler; learners should not over-use it in formal essays.

Common Mistakes

Basically that he is tired.
Basically, he is tired.
'basically' introduces a full clause, not a 'that-clause' fragment.
I basically want to say sorry.' (when you mean 'all I want to say is sorry')
Basically, I just want to say sorry.
front the adverb to signal a summary.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All five words point to the central nature of something, but they differ in tone and scope. 'Basically' is the most everyday choice and is very common in speech: 'The job is basically about answering emails.' 'Essentially' is a touch more formal and is often preferred in writing: 'The two reports are essentially identical.' 'Fundamentally' goes deeper, suggesting the very root of a thing — used in serious or scientific contexts: 'The two theories are fundamentally different.' 'Mainly' shifts the focus to the largest portion rather than the core nature: 'The class is mainly girls.' 'In essence' is a fixed phrase used in writing to introduce a careful summary: 'In essence, the proposal asks for more time.'

basically ↗essentially ↗fundamentally ↗mainly ↗in essence

Common collocations

Nouns

  • basically a [type]
  • basically the same

Adverbs

  • basically just
  • basically only
  • basically still

Phrases

  • basically speaking
  • but basically
  • so basically
  • what I'm basically saying

Etymology

GreekLatinOld FrenchEnglish

Formed in English in the early 1800s by adding the adverb ending '-ally' to the adjective 'basic'. 'Basic' itself comes from the noun 'base' (meaning the lowest or supporting part), which entered English from Old French 'base' and ultimately from Latin 'basis' and Greek 'básis' meaning 'a step' or 'foundation'. The modern conversational use of 'basically' to summarise a point became widespread only in the twentieth century.