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How to pronounce Basically

How to Pronounce "Basically"

Definition: How to say "Basically" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

bey-sik-lee / ˈbeɪsɪkli

How to say "Basically" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Basically.

  • In essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature
  • Without regard to elaboration or detail
  • Regarded as a base or foundation
  • Pertaining to or constituting a base or basis
  • Reduced to its simplest and most significant form without any attempt to hide the obviousness of one's meaning

Use Basically correctly with the following examples:

  • Basically, he’s a good guy once you get to know him.
  • She basically runs the entire department on her own.
  • The instructions were basically just a list of steps to follow.
  • I basically eat the same thing for breakfast every day.
  • The movie was basically a love story with a twist.

Words close in sound to Basically:

Basic, Basically, Basics, Basilica, Basilisk, Basil, Basilica, Basilicae, Basilican, Basilicas,

Synonyms for Basically

Essentially, Fundamentally, Primarily, Mainly, Chiefly, Mostly, In essence, At heart, At bottom, Substantially,

Antonyms for Basically

Complicatedly, Sophisticatedly, Intricately, Elaborately, Detailed, Complexly, Sophisticatedly, Intricately, Elaborately, Detailed,

Review Basically
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Tips to pronounce English words better

Some tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Basically‘:

  • Try to Break down ‘Basically’ into each individual vowel, say it out loud whilst exaggerating each sound until you can consistently repeat it without mistakes.
  • Record yourself saying ‘Basically‘ in full sentences then watch or listen back. You should be able to mark your mistakes quite easily.
  • Look up more tutorials on Youtube or Google on how to pronounce ‘Basically‘ accurately.
  • Choose one accent: when you mix multiple accents, it can confuse people, especially for beginners, so pick one accent, perhaps UK and stick to it!


A few more tips\techniques to boost your English accent and pronunciation, it’s advised to adopt these methods:

Practicing speech contraction in speech is common in the U.S. and is viewed as a natural part of informal dialogue. For instance, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is widely accepted. Delve into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more insights.

Working on your intonation is crucial for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in conveying your intended message and emotions. Many resources and videos on Youtube can aid you in learning these components to pronounce ‘Basically’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer complimentary resources that tackle crucial language skills. Pronounce.tv is one more outstanding source for improving your pronunciation.

Copying native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they say ‘Basically’ and strive to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it a part of your routine.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily routine. Learning and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you improve your pronunciation of challenging words.

Frequently practice English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more adept you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, improving your overall ability to communicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do regional accents affect how basically is pronounced?

Regional accents can indeed affect how the word “basically” is pronounced. In English, accents can vary greatly based on geographical location, cultural influences, and individual speech patterns. For example, in some regions, the “a” sound in “basically” may be pronounced as a short “a” sound, while in other regions it may be pronounced as a longer “a” sound. Additionally, accents can also influence the emphasis placed on certain syllables within a word, which can further alter the pronunciation of “basically.” Overall, the way “basically” is pronounced can vary significantly depending on the speaker’s accent and regional dialect.

How do you pronounce basically in American?

In American English, the word “basically” is pronounced as buh-sik-lee. The stress is placed on the second syllable, ‘sik’, and the ‘a’ in the first syllable is pronounced as ‘uh’. To pronounce it correctly, break the word down into three syllables (bay-sik-lee) and make sure to emphasize the ‘sik’ part. Practice saying the word out loud and exaggerating the sounds until you can consistently produce them accurately.

Are there any common misconceptions about pronouncing basically?

One common misconception about pronouncing “basically” is that the emphasis should be placed on the first syllable, “ba,” when in fact the correct emphasis is on the second syllable, “si.” Another misconception is that the “i” in the second syllable should be pronounced as a long “ee” sound, when it is actually pronounced as a short “i” sound in American English. Additionally, some people may incorrectly believe that the “c” in “basically” should be pronounced as an “s” sound, when it is actually pronounced as a “k” sound. It is important to remember that pronunciation can vary based on regional dialects and accents, but these are some common misconceptions to be aware of when pronouncing the word “basically.”

What other words are commonly mispronounced similarly to basically?

Some other words that are commonly mispronounced similarly to “basically” include “specifically,” “athletic,” “nuclear,” “especially,” and “temperature.” These words often trip people up due to their combination of consonants, vowel sounds, and syllable stress patterns. It’s important to pay attention to the correct pronunciation of these words to effectively communicate and avoid misunderstandings. Practice and familiarity with the phonetic sounds of these words can help improve pronunciation and fluency in spoken language.

Is the pronunciation of basically the same in British and American English?

The pronunciation of “basically” is generally similar in both British and American English, with the stress falling on the first syllable “ba-” in both accents. However, there may be slight variations in the way the vowel sounds are pronounced. In American English, the “a” sound in the first syllable is often pronounced as a short “a” sound, similar to the “a” in “cat.” In British English, the “a” sound may be slightly more elongated, sounding closer to the “a” in “father.” Additionally, the final syllable “-ly” is typically pronounced with a short “i” sound in both accents. Overall, while there may be subtle differences in the pronunciation of “basically” between British and American English, the word is generally recognizable and understood in both accents.

In what context should the word basically be avoided in speech?

The word “basically” should generally be avoided in speech when it is used as a filler word or as a crutch to simplify complex ideas. This is because using “basically” too frequently can make the speaker sound less confident or knowledgeable about the topic they are discussing. It can also come across as dismissive or condescending, as if the speaker is oversimplifying a concept that may require more depth or nuance. Instead of relying on “basically,” it is better to strive for clarity and precision in speech by using more specific language and providing detailed explanations. By avoiding the overuse of “basically,” speakers can communicate their ideas more effectively and engage their audience in a more meaningful way.

Is there a specific intonation pattern used when saying basically?

Yes, there is a specific intonation pattern that is commonly used when saying “basically.” Typically, the word “basically” is pronounced with a falling-rising intonation pattern. This means that the pitch of your voice starts high, falls slightly, and then rises again towards the end of the word. This intonation pattern is often used to emphasize the word and can convey a sense of simplification or summarization. However, it’s important to note that intonation patterns can vary based on regional accents, individual speech patterns, and the context in which the word is used.

What does basically mean in English?

In English, the word “basically” is an adverb that is used to convey the fundamental or essential nature of something. It is often used to simplify or summarize a concept, providing a straightforward explanation or getting to the core of a matter. When someone says “basically,” they are typically trying to break down a complex idea into simpler terms, emphasizing the key points or main elements. It can also be used as a sentence modifier to introduce a summary or conclusion. Overall, “basically” is a versatile term that helps to clarify or simplify information for better understanding.

Do you pronounce the T in exactly?

The pronunciation of the “t” in the word “exactly” can vary depending on the speaker and the regional accent. In standard pronunciation, the “t” in “exactly” is often pronounced as a true “t” sound when the word is said slowly or deliberately. However, in fast or casual speech, many native speakers tend to drop the “t” sound and pronounce it more like “ex-ack-lee” with a glottal stop or a softening of the “t” sound. This phenomenon is known as a “flap” or “stop” in linguistics. So, while it is technically correct to pronounce the “t” in “exactly,” it is also common for native speakers to omit the “t” sound in everyday conversation.

What are some synonyms for the word basically?

Some synonyms for the word “basically” include fundamentally, essentially, primarily, chiefly, fundamentally, essentially, primarily, chiefly, predominantly, mainly, principally, in essence, at its core, at heart, at bottom, at the end of the day, in a nutshell, in substance, in general, on the whole, in the main, overall, in the long run, in the final analysis, in short, and ultimately. These synonyms can be used interchangeably with “basically” to convey a similar meaning of simplifying or summarizing a complex idea or situation.

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