28 Other Ways to Say BASICALLY | BASICALLY Synonyms With Examples

When we speak or write, sometimes we use the word basically to show the main idea of something. But did you know there are many other words that can replace it? Words like essentially, fundamentally, and in essence can be used instead. In this article, we will explore 28 different synonyms for basically and show how to use them in daily life.

Synonym	Meaning	Example
Essentially	The most important part of something	Essentially, we need to finish the project by tomorrow.
Fundamentally	At the core or basic level	Fundamentally, everyone wants to feel happy in life.
In essence	In the main or most important sense	In essence, this plan will save us money.
Primarily	Mainly or mostly	Primarily, the course is for beginners.
At heart	In reality or deep down	She is kind at heart.
Basically speaking	When explaining the main point	Basically speaking, we should focus on teamwork.
In principle	According to a main idea	In principle, the idea is good.
Virtually	Almost completely	The store is virtually empty after the sale.
Overall	Considering everything	Overall, the trip was a success.
As a rule	Usually or generally	As a rule, children go to school at 7 a.m.
Predominantly	Mainly or mostly	The town is predominantly peaceful.
Chiefly	Mainly or mostly	The book is chiefly about history.
Practically	Almost or nearly	Practically everyone attended the meeting.
Effectively	In effect or in practice	Effectively, the new law will protect workers.
On the whole	Considering everything	On the whole, the movie was enjoyable.
In reality	Actually or really	In reality, the task is easier than it seems.
Largely	Mostly or mainly	The success is largely due to teamwork.
In general	Usually or mostly	In general, people like holidays.
By and large	Mostly or generally	By and large, the plan works well.
To all intents and purposes	For most practical purposes	To all intents and purposes, the job is done.
Practically speaking	When considering the main point	Practically speaking, we need more time.
More or less	Almost or nearly	More or less, the problem is solved.
In broad terms	Generally speaking	In broad terms, the strategy is good.
Essentially speaking	Focusing on the main idea	Essentially speaking, it is a good decision.
Fundamentally speaking	At the core of the matter	Fundamentally speaking, teamwork is essential.
As such	In that sense or meaning	As such, we should prepare carefully.
All in all	Considering everything	All in all, it was a great day.
Roughly speaking	About or approximately	Roughly speaking, it will take two hours.

Essentially

The word essentially is used when you want to talk about the most important part of something. It helps focus on the main idea without including extra details. You can use it in conversations, essays, or work reports to show what really matters. It makes your message stronger because it highlights the core of your point. Essentially can replace basically in most situations without changing the meaning.

Essentially, this rule applies to everyone.
Essentially, the problem is about trust.
Essentially, the plan needs more preparation.

Fundamentally

Fundamentally is used when you talk about the basic or core reason for something. It is helpful when you explain ideas in a deeper way. This word tells the listener that you are looking at the main part, not small details. You can use fundamentally to discuss ideas, beliefs, or strategies. It shows that you are focusing on the foundation of the topic.

Fundamentally, education is about learning skills.
Fundamentally, humans need connection to feel happy.
Fundamentally, the law protects citizens’ rights.

In essence

In essence is a way to summarize or simplify an idea. It tells the listener what the main point is. It is very useful in writing or speaking when you want to give a short and clear summary. Using in essence can make your explanations stronger and easier to follow. It works well when you are talking about plans, rules, or ideas.

In essence, the movie is about friendship.
In essence, the job is about helping people.
In essence, we need to improve communication.

Primarily

Primarily is used to show what something is mostly about. It points to the main reason or purpose. You can use primarily when discussing goals, causes, or types of things. It helps make your sentences focused and clear. This word works well in professional, academic, or daily situations.

The book is primarily for children.
The discussion is primarily about health.
He is primarily interested in science.

At heart

At heart describes what someone is really like deep inside. It shows the true nature of a person or thing. This phrase is useful when talking about feelings, character, or true intentions. Using at heart can make your descriptions more personal and meaningful.

She is honest at heart.
He is brave at heart.
They are generous at heart.

Basically speaking

Basically speaking is a phrase used to explain the main point. It helps summarize information or make a simple statement. You can use it when you want to tell someone the key idea without details. It works well in conversations, presentations, and writing.

Basically speaking, we should save more money.
Basically speaking, exercise improves health.
Basically speaking, teamwork is important.

In principle

In principle is used when talking about ideas or rules in general. It shows that something works in theory or in main idea. You can use it when discussing plans, agreements, or concepts. This phrase makes your explanation sound thoughtful and organized.

In principle, the idea is good.
In principle, everyone agrees with the plan.
In principle, the method is correct.

Virtually

Virtually means almost completely or nearly. It shows that something is true in most cases but not fully. You can use it to describe situations, results, or ideas that are almost certain. It helps your sentences be more accurate and precise.

The room is virtually empty.
He has virtually no experience.
The task is virtually complete.

Overall

Overall is used to talk about everything together. It gives a general opinion or conclusion. You can use it when summarizing results, experiences, or thoughts. This word helps your sentences give a final point without details.

Overall, the trip was fun.
Overall, the project went well.
Overall, the book is interesting.

As a rule

As a rule means usually or generally. It shows something that happens most of the time. You can use it when talking about habits, patterns, or common situations. It helps your statements be more clear and predictable.

As a rule, children go to bed early.
As a rule, meetings start on time.
As a rule, people like holidays.

Predominantly

Predominantly shows that something is mostly or mainly one way. It points out the main part of a group, place, or idea. You can use it to describe populations, objects, or situations. This word emphasizes what is strongest or most common.

The city is predominantly modern.
The food is predominantly spicy.
The audience is predominantly young.

Chiefly

Chiefly means mainly or mostly. It shows what is the main part or reason. You can use it in conversations, writing, or explanations to focus on the main point. This word is very helpful when giving information or instructions.

The book is chiefly about history.
The movie is chiefly for teenagers.
The problem is chiefly financial.

Practically

Practically means almost or nearly. It shows that something is very close to being true. You can use it to describe results, situations, or possibilities. It helps your statements be accurate without being absolute.

Practically everyone attended.
Practically all tasks are done.
Practically no one disagreed.

Effectively

Effectively shows that something works or has the desired result. It explains the practical effect of an action or idea. You can use it when talking about results, laws, or plans. This word emphasizes real impact.

The new law effectively protects workers.
This method effectively solves the problem.
The plan effectively reduces costs.

On the whole

On the whole means considering everything together. It gives a general view or conclusion. You can use it to summarize ideas, experiences, or events. It helps your statements be complete and fair.

On the whole, the course is good.
On the whole, the team performed well.
On the whole, the trip was enjoyable.

In reality

In reality is used to show the true situation. It tells what really happens, not what seems to happen. You can use it when explaining facts, differences, or truths. This phrase adds clarity to your statements.

In reality, the job is easier than it looks.
In reality, the problem is bigger.
In reality, the plan needs more time.

Largely

Largely shows that something is mostly or mainly true. It emphasizes the biggest part or main reason. You can use it when explaining causes, results, or groups. This word is useful for clear explanations.

The success is largely due to teamwork.
The decision is largely correct.
The town is largely peaceful.

In general

In general means usually or mostly. It shows a general opinion or idea. You can use it when giving advice, describing habits, or summarizing situations. This phrase helps your statements be broad and understandable.

In general, people enjoy holidays.
In general, students like the subject.
In general, the rules are fair.

By and large

By and large means mostly or generally. It shows a broad view or main idea. You can use it when summarizing situations, experiences, or opinions. This phrase makes your sentences sound complete.

By and large, the plan works well.
By and large, the event was successful.
By and large, people are happy.

To all intents and purposes

This phrase means for most practical purposes or almost completely. It is used to show that something is true in effect. You can use it in formal or informal speech to explain results or situations. It emphasizes reality more than appearance.

To all intents and purposes, the job is done.
To all intents and purposes, the plan succeeded.
To all intents and purposes, the problem is solved.

Practically speaking

Practically speaking is used when considering the main point. It focuses on the important part of an idea or action. You can use it in discussions, explanations, or advice. This phrase makes your statement practical and relevant.

Practically speaking, we need more resources.
Practically speaking, the task is easy.
Practically speaking, teamwork is crucial.

More or less

More or less shows that something is almost true or nearly done. It is a casual way to give approximate ideas. You can use it in daily conversation, writing, or explanations. This phrase is flexible and common.

More or less, the project is finished.
More or less, everyone agreed.
More or less, the plan works.

In broad terms

In broad terms is used to give a general overview. It talks about the main idea without details. You can use it in writing, presentations, or discussions. It helps listeners understand the main points quickly.

In broad terms, the strategy is effective.
In broad terms, the book is interesting.
In broad terms, the plan is good.

Essentially speaking

Essentially speaking focuses on the main idea or core point. It is similar to essentially but adds emphasis on speaking or explaining. You can use it to summarize, clarify, or focus ideas. It helps in discussions and writing.

Essentially speaking, the task is simple.
Essentially speaking, teamwork is key.
Essentially speaking, honesty matters most.

Fundamentally speaking

Fundamentally speaking focuses on the core reason or main idea. It shows deep understanding or the root cause of something. You can use it in discussions, explanations, or analysis. This phrase gives your statement more weight.

Fundamentally speaking, education shapes life.
Fundamentally speaking, trust is essential.
Fundamentally speaking, health is wealth.

As such

As such is used to explain something in that sense or meaning. It connects an idea with its effect or consequence. You can use it in writing or speaking to make logical links. It makes explanations stronger.

As such, we must prepare carefully.
As such, the rule is important.
As such, everyone should participate.

All in all

All in all is used to summarize or give a conclusion. It shows the main idea after considering everything. You can use it in writing, speeches, or casual conversation. It is helpful for final thoughts.

All in all, it was a good day.
All in all, the plan worked.
All in all, the event was fun.

Roughly speaking

Roughly speaking means approximately or about. It gives an idea without exact details. You can use it when estimating, explaining, or summarizing. It is common in casual and formal situations.

Roughly speaking, it will take two hours.
Roughly speaking, 50 people attended.
Roughly speaking, the cost is high.

Final Thoughts

Using different words instead of basically makes your speech and writing more interesting. Each synonym has its own use, and learning them can help you explain ideas better. Practice these words to sound confident and clear in daily conversations and writing.