What is basically? Pronunciation and usage in English

basically means . Learn how to pronounce and use basically through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of basically

basicallyadverb

/ˈbeɪsɪkli/
Definition & pronunciation of basically

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "basically" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put it together:

1. The Breakdown:

  • ba: Pronounced like the "ba" in "ball" – /bæ/
  • -si-: This is the trickiest part. It's a diphthong, meaning it's a glide from one vowel sound to another. It sounds like "zee" but with a slightly broader, more open "ee" sound. It’s roughly /saɪ/ (like "sigh")
  • -ca-: Pronounced like "ca" in “car” – /kə/
  • -lly: This is a suffix indicating an adverb. It’s pronounced like "li" in "belly" – /li/

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is generally pronounced: ˈbeɪ-sə-ˈsaɪ-kə-li

Let's break that down further into syllables:

  • BEH- (like "be" in "bed") - /bæ/
  • SAH (as in "sausage") - /saɪ/
  • KAH (as in "car") - /kə/
  • LEE (as in "belly") - /li/

3. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "saɪ" sound: It's often said too forcefully. It's a subtle glide.
  • The first "a" is broad: Make it sound like "bah" not "a."
  • Don't say "biz-i-cally": This is a very common mistake. It adds unnecessary syllables.

4. Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Go to Google Translate, type "basically," and click the speaker icon. This will give you an audio pronunciation.
  • Forvo: (forvo.com) This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers. Search for "basically" and listen to different variations.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce basically" on YouTube – there are many helpful videos. (e.g., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgmz6z7-9O8)

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker or learning the language?
  • What specifically are you struggling with in pronouncing it? (e.g., the "saɪ" sound, the flow of the whole word)?

Usage and examples with the word basically in English

Let's break down how to use "basically" effectively in English. It's a super common word, but it’s often misused. Here's a breakdown of its uses, how to use it correctly, and some examples:

1. Core Meaning: To Summarize or State the Main Point

  • Essentially: "Basically" is a slightly more casual and less formal way of saying "essentially" or "in essence." It's used to condense a longer explanation into its core idea.
  • Think of it like this: "Basically," you're saying, "Let me give you the most important part."

2. Common Usage Patterns

  • As a Connector (Joining Sentences): This is the most frequent way to use “basically.”

    • Example: "I was really tired today; basically, I just stayed in bed." (Meaning: I was very tired.)
    • Example: "The project was a disaster, basically because the team didn’t communicate." (Meaning: The main reason it was a disaster was poor communication.)

  • To Imply Something (Adding Emphasis): You can use "basically" to add a bit of emphasis or a slightly critical tone.

    • Example: “He tried to help, basically just by standing there.” (This implies he wasn't actually helpful.)
    • Example: "The movie was good, basically a typical action flick." (This suggests it's a predictable, standard action movie.)

  • To Describe a Situation or State:

    • Example: “Basically, all I do is answer emails.” (Meaning: My job primarily involves answering emails.)
    • Example: “Basically, it’s the same as last year.” (Meaning: It's very similar to last year’s situation.)

3. Important Nuances & How to Avoid Problems

  • Don’t Overuse It: “Basically” can become repetitive and sound a little lazy if you use it constantly. Choose your moments carefully.

  • Be Clear: Because it’s a shorthand, it can sometimes be vague. Make sure the context makes it clear what you’re trying to convey. Sometimes, a more precise word or phrase is better.

  • Avoid Redundancy: Don’t use “basically” when the sentence already clearly states the main point.

    • Incorrect: “I went to the store. Basically, I bought some milk.” (Unnecessary)
    • Correct: “I went to the store to buy some milk.”

  • It's Not Always Interchangeable with "So": While sometimes you could replace “basically” with “so,” it’s not always accurate.

    • Incorrect: “I was really tired, basically so I stayed in bed.” (Better: “I was really tired, so I stayed in bed.”)

4. Examples Demonstrating Different Uses

  • Positive Emphasis: "The concert was amazing, basically a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
  • Negative Emphasis: "He tried to apologize, basically just saying 'sorry' a few times."
  • Summarizing a Process: "Basically, you download the app, create an account, and start using it."
  • Describing a Situation: "Basically, the company is losing money."

5. Synonyms (Consider these if "basically" feels too casual):

  • Essentially
  • In essence
  • Fundamentally
  • Primarily
  • Mainly
  • Above all

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using “basically” in? (e.g., casual conversation, writing an email, giving a presentation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word basically

Practice with vocabulary basically

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project is __________ complete; we just need to add some finishing touches.
  2. She explained the situation in a way that was __________ clear to everyone.
  3. The manager __________ approved the plan without any major changes.
  4. He tried to simplify the process, but it was still __________ complicated.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The instructions were complicated, but she managed to summarize them __________.
    A. quickly
    B. basically
    C. thoroughly
    D. accidentally

  2. The new policy __________ aims to improve employee satisfaction.
    A. fundamentally
    B. basically
    C. rarely
    D. strictly

  3. The report was long, but the main point was __________ clear.
    A. basically
    B. rarely
    C. overly
    D. accidentally

  4. He tried to fix the issue, but his solution was __________ effective.
    A. hardly
    B. completely
    C. basically
    D. overly

  5. The meeting __________ focused on the budget and resource allocation.
    A. primarily
    B. basically
    C. rarely
    D. accidentally

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The concept is quite simple when you break it down.
  2. He tried to make the explanation clear and straightforward.
  3. The plan was essentially the same as the one we used last year.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. basically
  2. reasonably
  3. essentially
  4. still

Exercise 2:

  1. B. basically
  2. B. basically
  3. A. basically
  4. A. hardly
  5. A. primarily

Exercise 3:

  1. The concept is basically simple when you break it down.
  2. He tried to basically make the explanation clear and straightforward.
  3. The plan was essentially the same as the one we used last year.

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