basic

The word “basic” means forming the essential foundation of something; fundamental. In plain terms, simple and essential — either "fundamental" or, in chemistry, "the opposite of acidic.".

“Basic” is pronounced BAY-sihk (/ˈbeɪsɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “basic” used in a sentence: “Reading and writing are basic skills taught in primary school.”

Depending on how it is used, “basic” can be an adjective and a noun.

“Basic” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Basic” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: forming the essential foundation of something; fundamental.

Both describe something essential, and they often overlap. Fundamental stresses that something is a deep, load-bearing foundation you cannot remove. Basic can mean the same, but it also carries a lighter sense of 'simplest' or 'entry-level' — basic maths, a basic model — which fundamental does not.

They sit at opposite ends of a scale. Basic refers to the simplest, foundational level — the first things you learn or the core features included. Advanced refers to complex, higher-level material or capabilities built on top of that foundation. You master the basic skills before moving on to advanced ones.

Not usually. In its main sense it is neutral, meaning fundamental or essential. However, in informal slang 'basic' has become a mild insult, describing someone or something seen as unoriginal or predictably mainstream. Context and tone tell you which of the two meanings is intended.

You might say, 'Everyone needs some basic knowledge of first aid,' or 'The basic version of the app is free.' Here basic points to the essential foundation or the simplest level — the core that everything else is built on top of or added to.