>Only if used that way in a sentence.
>
>From merriam-webster:
>
>
>
>Main Entry: ba·si·cal·ly
>Pronunciation: \'ba-si-k(?-)le also -zi-\
>Function: adverb
>Date: 1903
>1 a: at a basic level : in fundamental disposition or nature (basically correct) ( basically, they are simple people )

What's wrong with "They are simple people."? What added value does "basically" uimbue?

> b: for the most part ( they basically play zone defense )

... but sometimes go on the attack? As Nick said, "basically" implies a "but". So "They play zone defense, but sometimes go on the attack"

>2: in a basic manner : simply ( live basically )

Live simply.

>
>
>> Doesn't "he is basically honest" usually imply some sort of "but" afterwards.
>>
>> I used to write annual appraisements and that was the sort of phrase that could cause sparks to fly.
>>
>>> So should 'fundamentally,' 'chiefly,' 'inherently,' and 'essentially' be avoided as well?
>>>