Basically
Basically adverb - For the most part.
First thing and basically are semantically related. In some cases you can use "First thing" instead an adverb "Basically".
First thing
Basically and first thing are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Basically" instead an adverb phrase "First thing".
Both terms in one sentence
- Possibly justified to show that he's poor and basically has nothing, and the first thing Kirsten says they need to do after adopting him is buy him some clothes.
- In Election, Tammy Meltzer basically calls the election a sham, and announces the first thing she will do if elected is dismantle student government so they don't have to sit through another meeting.
Source: Abdicate the Throne - The advert transition screen from "The Crystal Empire - Part 2" is a large bunch of balloons, which bears a resemblance to the Children's Video Library logo; which is basically the very first thing you see if you play an original VHS copy of Escape from Midnight Castle.
Cite this Source
First thing and Basically. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/basically/first_thing
Basically & First thing. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/basically/first_thing>.
First thing or Basically. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/basically/first_thing.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "basically" and "first thing" have occurred on timeline