DictionaryRoot: -ic

English

-ic

connected with or characteristic of

Forms

-ic

Origin

Through French and Latin -icus from Greek -ikos.

Note

It can indicate a field, a material, a resemblance, or a tendency; it has no single literal meaning in every word.

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adverb

basically

In the most important respects or simplest terms.

The two proposals are basically similar despite differences in their wording.

Etymology

basGreekstep, support, or foundation

+icEnglishconnected with or characteristic of

+alEnglishconnected with

+lyEnglishin a particular way

The root points to a foundation. Basically reduces a statement to its underlying essentials, setting aside details that do not change the main point.

More examples

Basically, we need more time and a clearer budget.
The building is basically sound but needs cosmetic repairs.
His role is basically to coordinate the volunteers.

Similar words

essentially: Emphasizes the underlying nature despite incidental differences.
simply: Can simplify an explanation without judging its most important respects.