used when referring to the main or most important characteristic or feature of something

Basically, (= the most important thing is that) they want a lot more information about the project before they'll put any money into it. 从根本上讲，他们在把钱投入这个项目之前想要对其有更深入的了解。

"So what's the difference between these two TVs?" "Well, they're basically the same, but the more expensive one has 3D." “那么，这两台电视机有什么差别呢？”“嗯，它们基本上是一样的，只不过贵的那台有3D功能。”

The car's basically OK, but the paintwork needs some attention. 这辆车基本上还可以，只是漆面还需要处理一下。

The village has remained basically unchanged for over 300 years. 这个村子300多年来基本上没怎么变。