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Glite Dictionary
basically

basically

∞ 1.0
To say the main or most important point
  • adverb
  • /ˈbeɪsɪkli/
  • Informal
translation icon : básicamente
  • OK, so that's basically how a while loop works.
  • basically the same
  • basically similar
  • basically involves

But you know, they're basically not a gang of racists.

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Examples

  • The global structure of power in the Cold War was basically bipolar; the emerging structure is very different.

    Academic text (1999)

  • So that is basically it for that section.

    Film Courage

  • And I basically bought my entire garden from them.

    MIgardener

  • Yeah, we broke up basically at the start of the year.

  • The actions involved in writing are basically the same kinds of processes required in thinking.

    Academic text (1990)

  • We found that this is basically the cure for HIV.

    ReasonTV

  • You know, long before we built this yard, this whole forest was basically one big copper mine.

    Bagman (2024)

  • So that I think that's basically all correct.

  • So then it's basically a downhill slope from there.

    andrew gold | heretics.

  • Basically, the project was basically a success, despite the challenges we faced.

Synonyms

essentially
vsbasically
745 3.4

Mostly in the main or basic sense

focuses on fundamental aspects rather than full detail or nuance
fundamentally
vsbasically
181 3.9

In a basic way that shows what is most important

is about the main underlying point rather than superficial parts
in essence
vsbasically
97 5.3

Used to say the main point while ignoring small details

emphasizes the core aspect generally without stressing omitted details
at bottom
vsbasically
  • Formal
3 6.6

Basically what is most true about someone or something

expresses the essential point but with less emphasis on reality

Antonyms

superficially
14 5.3

In a way that only looks at the surface and not deeply

How Fundamental

fundamentally
181 3.9
essentially
745 3.4
elementally
1 5.5
basically
  • Informal
∞ 1.0
broadly
26 2.7
superficially
14 5.3

Surface Forms

basically positive

Morphology

basically = basic (transparent) = basic + ally

Formed from the adjective 'basic' with the common adverbial suffix '-ally', so the meaning 'in essence' is predictable from the base.

Etymology

Basically comes from basic, which comes from basis meaning 'base' or 'foundation'. So basically means giving the main idea or the most important point.