Basically: meaning, definitions and examples

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basically

 

[ ˈbeɪsɪkli ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

communication

used to introduce a summary or simplification of something previously said or written

Synonyms

essentially, fundamentally, primarily

Examples of usage

  • He told me I was lazy, but basically he was just upset with me.
  • She explained the process to me, basically it involves three main steps.
Context #2 | Adverb

explanation

used for emphasizing the most important aspect of a situation or fact

Synonyms

essentially, fundamentally, primarily

Examples of usage

  • I basically just want to be left alone.
  • The project basically failed due to lack of funding.

Translations

Translations of the word "basically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 basicamente

🇮🇳 मूल रूप से

🇩🇪 grundsätzlich

🇮🇩 pada dasarnya

🇺🇦 в основному

🇵🇱 zasadniczo

🇯🇵 基本的に (きほんてきに)

🇫🇷 fondamentalement

🇪🇸 básicamente

🇹🇷 temelde

🇰🇷 기본적으로 (gibonjeogeuro)

🇸🇦 بشكل أساسي

🇨🇿 v podstatě

🇸🇰 v podstate

🇨🇳 基本上 (jīběn shàng)

🇸🇮 v bistvu

🇮🇸 í grundvallaratriðum

🇰🇿 негізінен

🇬🇪 ძირითადად

🇦🇿 əsasən

🇲🇽 básicamente

Etymology

The word 'basically' originated in the late 19th century as a combination of 'basic' and the suffix '-ally', forming an adverb to indicate something fundamental or essential. It has since become a common adverb used to simplify or emphasize key points in communication.

See also: basics.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,552 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.