Word
basically
Phoneticsba·si·cal·ly
US/ˈbeɪsɪkɫi/
UK/bˈeɪsɪkli/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01the most important point
B1 · Intermediate
adv. you use this to introduce the most important or simplest part of what you are saying.
adv. used to introduce a summary or to highlight the most essential aspect of a statement, often simplifying complex details.
日本語:要は※
“Basically, the plan is to save money now so we can travel later.”
“Basically, the new legislation aims to reduce carbon emissions by taxing heavy industry more strictly than before.”
Usage
Often used as a sentence starter to frame the speaker's main argument.
Teaching tip
In spoken English, this is frequently used as a filler word; students should be careful not to over-use it in formal writing.
Synonyms
02mostly or almost entirely
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. mostly, or in a way that is almost completely true.
adv. to a great extent or in the main; used to indicate that a statement is generally accurate despite minor exceptions.
日本語:ほとんど※
“The two cars are basically the same, except for the colour.”
“Although the software has been updated, the user interface remains basically unchanged from the previous version.”
Usage
Usually placed before the adjective or verb it modifies.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “basically” in context.
Verb
01. basically agree
“I basically agree with your proposal, though I have a few small concerns about the budget.”
adv + verb
02. basically mean
“The new law will basically mean that companies have to pay more tax on their profits.”
adv + verb
03. basically say
“He was basically saying that he doesn't want to work with us anymore.”
adv + verb
Adjective
04. basically correct
“Your calculations are basically correct, but you made a small error in the final step.”
adv + adj
05. basically impossible
“It is basically impossible to finish all this work by tomorrow morning.”
adv + adj
06. basically the same
“The two versions of the software are basically the same, except for a few minor features.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“Basically, renewals will be decided on a case-by-case basis.” “The issue was basically arson, and the attempted forcing of the door.” “I ain’t going anywhere.’” His family – an oil rigger dad (“gone basically half the year”) and a mother who was “everything to us” – remained, a half-hour drive from the city centre.” Etymology
From basic + -ally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/basically
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0