Advertisement - Continue reading below

Definition of "basically" []

  • In a basic way; fundamentally or essentially: Throughout the ordeal, he remained basically the same. (adverb)
  • For the most part; chiefly: They basically do what they are supposed to. (adverb)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "basically" in a sentence
  • "His use of the term "basically altruistic" is surely intended to be provocative, but what the economist means is that terrorists are often acting out of a desire to help others in their group."
  • "Meanwhile, for now, the critical challenges remain basically the same&#151though I'm very hesitant to say that, and of course "basically" is a big word, really just a hedge against being dead wrong before they even close the casket."
  • "Sarkozy was insulted by a member of the crowd, and with the cameras still rolling muttered, "Casse-toi, pauvre con" -- which basically translates as buzz off, jackass."