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Basically vs Exactly - What's the difference?

basically | exactly |

As adverbs the difference between basically and exactly

is that basically is in a fundamental, essential or basic manner while exactly is (manner) without approximation; precisely.

As an interjection exactly is

(signifies agreement or recognition).

basically

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • in a fundamental, essential or basic manner
    • They've added some fancy features, but it's basically still a car.

    exactly

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (manner) without approximation; precisely.
    • Measure exactly so we can be sure it is right.
    The edge is not exactly straight.
  • (focus) Used to provide emphasis.
    • It was exactly an Eastern gray squirrel.
    He divided the coins exactly in half.
    He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
    His complaint was exactly that she failed to meet the deadline by four days.

    Antonyms

    * approximately

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • (Signifies agreement or recognition)
    • So you're saying that we have only three days left? / Yes, exactly !