basically
- 01 B1 Intermediate
you use this to introduce the most important or simplest part of what you are saying.
used to introduce a summary or to highlight the most essential aspect of a statement, often simplifying complex details.
Simple“Basically, the plan is to save money now so we can travel later.”
In context“Basically, the new legislation aims to reduce carbon emissions by taxing heavy industry more strictly than before.”
UsageOften used as a sentence starter to frame the speaker's main argument.
Teacher's tipIn spoken English, this is frequently used as a filler word; students should be careful not to over-use it in formal writing.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
mostly, or in a way that is almost completely true.
to a great extent or in the main; used to indicate that a statement is generally accurate despite minor exceptions.
Simple“The two cars are basically the same, except for the colour.”
In context“Although the software has been updated, the user interface remains basically unchanged from the previous version.”
UsageUsually placed before the adjective or verb it modifies.
Synonyms
“Basically, renewals will be decided on a case-by-case basis.”
“The issue was basically arson, and the attempted forcing of the door.”
From basic + -ally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.