basically

basically

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "basically" is:

• /ˈbeɪsɪkli/

Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:

• bei- /beɪ/

• sic- /sɪk/

• al-ly /li/

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Word Form Variations

"Basically" is an adverb. Therefore, it does not have singular/plural forms or different tenses like verbs. Its primary word form variations are:

• Base form (adjective): basic

• Noun form: basis

• Adverb form: basically

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adverb

• Basically

1. In essence; fundamentally or primarily. Used to introduce a summary or a fundamental point, often simplifying a complex idea.

• Synonyms: essentially, fundamentally, primarily, fundamentally, essentially, at heart, at bottom

• Antonyms: elaborately, specifically, precisely, exactly

2. Used to express a general truth or to indicate that what follows is a simplified or generalized statement.

• Synonyms: essentially, in essence, in short, in simple terms, practically, virtually

• Antonyms: specifically, exactly, precisely

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Examples of Use

• Books: "The book is basically a travelogue through modern physics, explaining complex concepts in an accessible way for the lay reader." (Michio Kaku, Physics of the Future, March 2011)

• Newspapers: "The new economic policy is basically an attempt to stimulate growth through targeted tax cuts and deregulation." (The Wall Street Journal)

• Online Publications: "What started as a small online forum has basically transformed into a global community of enthusiasts sharing their passion." (TechCrunch)

• Entertainment Mediums (Film Dialogue): "So, you're telling me that after all that, we're basically back to where we started?" (From the film Inception, July 2010)

• Entertainment Platforms (Podcast): "The entire season finale was basically a cliffhanger, leaving everyone wondering what happens next." (NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour)

• General Public Discourse (Social Media Post): "My weekend was basically just me catching up on sleep and binging a new show. Needed that!" (Twitter/X)

• General Public Discourse (Conversation): "The instructions for assembling this furniture were basically non-existent, so I just had to figure it out." (Heard in a casual conversation)

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10 Quotes Using Basically

1. "Science is basically an inoculation against charlatanism." (Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, March 2014)

2. "The problem with the world is that everyone is basically in their own movie." (Lester Bangs, Creem Magazine, 1970s)

3. "I think art is basically a celebration of life." (Keith Haring, Interview with Art News, 1982)

4. "Fashion is basically a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months." (Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1890)

5. "A computer is basically a dumb machine with the ability to do incredibly smart things, but it needs smart people to tell it what to do." (Steve Wozniak)

6. "Life is basically a dream. When you wake up, you realize it's all part of the big illusion." (Jim Carrey, Commencement Address at Maharishi University of Management)

7. "All serious daring starts from within. In order to be a truly free person, you must be basically unafraid to be yourself." (Louise Brooks, Interview, 1970s)

8. "My whole philosophy is basically to just be myself." (Lana Del Rey, Interview with Vogue)

9. "What I'm trying to do is basically to get inside the mind of the audience and be there before they get there." (Jerry Seinfeld, Interview with Vanity Fair, October 1998)

10. "Marriage is basically a partnership. You're constantly working on it." (Oprah Winfrey, Interview with People)

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Etymology

The word "basically" comes from the word "basic," and "basic" itself has an interesting journey.

Think of "basic" as meaning "the very foundation" or "the starting point." It traces its roots back to the Greek word "basis," which literally meant "a step," "a stepping stone," or "a foundation." From there, it moved into Latin as "basis," keeping that sense of a foundation or pedestal.

Fast forward to English, and we start seeing "base" (the noun form) in the 14th century, referring to the lowest part or foundation of something.

Now, for "basic" (the adjective), it appeared in the mid-19th century (around the 1830s-1840s). At first, it was used in chemistry to describe substances that were alkaline, which were seen as fundamental building blocks in chemical reactions. Soon after, its meaning broadened to describe anything that was fundamental, essential, or elementary.

Finally, "basically" (the adverb) came into use a bit later, in the early 20th century (around the 1920s-1930s). It was formed by simply adding "-ally" to "basic," which is a common way to turn an adjective into an adverb in English. So, "basically" means "in a basic way" or "at its foundation," carrying forward that core idea of being essential or fundamental.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Basically

• Basically, what happened was... (Used to simplify a complex narrative or situation)

• It's basically a done deal. (Meaning it's almost certain or already decided)

• We're basically starting from scratch. (Indicating a complete new beginning)

• That's basically the gist of it. (Confirming a summary is accurate)

• He's basically a good person. (Suggesting that at their core, despite flaws, they are decent)

• Basically speaking, you're right. (A more informal way to agree fundamentally)

• It's basically common sense. (Implying something is intuitively obvious)

• You basically just need to follow these steps. (Simplifying instructions)

• She basically ignored my advice. (Suggesting a near-complete disregard)

• The plan is basically flawed. (Highlighting a fundamental problem)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of basically from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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