basically
/ˈbeɪsɪkəli/
adverb
Origin
Greek
basis — a pedestal, base, or foundation
Overview
Meaning Now
- in the most essential or fundamental respects
- used to introduce an explanation or summary of something, often implying simplicity
Literal older meaning
in a way pertaining to a base or foundation
Language path
Greek → Latin → Middle French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
basically
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term derives from the Greek 'basis', which literally refers to the act of stepping or a foot. Over time, it evolved into 'foundation' and 'fundamental'. The adverb 'basically' emerged during the transition of 'basic' into common usage as an adjective to describe the essential quality of a subject.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
βάσις (basis)
“stepping, pedestal, base”
- Latin
basis
“base, foundation”
- Late Latin
basicalis
“pertaining to a base”
- Early Modern English
basic
“forming the base or essence”
- 17th century
basically
“in a fundamental manner”
Connections
Word parts
basic
root
forming a base
ally
suffix
forming an adverb
Related across languages
French
basique
basic
German
Basis
base
Explore next
Related to basically
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.