basic
BAY-sihk
Basic (adjective) means forming the essential foundation of something; fundamental. Example: “You need only basic cooking skills to follow this simple recipe.”
adjective
1
Forming the essential foundation of something; fundamental.
"You need only basic cooking skills to follow this simple recipe."
"Reading and writing are basic skills taught in primary school."
"The hotel room was basic but clean."
2
In chemistry, having a pH greater than 7; alkaline.
"Soap is slightly basic, which helps it break down grease."
"Litmus paper turns blue when you dip it in a basic liquid."
"Baking soda dissolved in water produces a basic solution."
noun
1
(informal, plural: basics) The essential items or facts needed for something.
"The course teaches the basics of first aid in just one evening."
"Once you know the basics of chess, you can start playing games."
"Before we go further, let's cover the basics."
How to use basic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSimple and essential — either "fundamental" or, in chemistry, "the opposite of acidic."
Common mistake
As slang, "basic" can also mean boringly mainstream or unoriginal ("such a basic outfit") — informal and often dismissive, avoid in neutral writing.
Common pairings
basic skills
basic needs
basic training
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Word forms
- Plural
- basics
- Comparative
- more basic
- Superlative
- most basic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You need only _____ cooking skills to follow this simple recipe.
Etymology
From base + the adjective suffix -ic.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “basic” mean?
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.".
How do you pronounce “basic”?
“Basic” is pronounced BAY-sihk (/ˈbeɪsɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “basic” in a sentence?
Here is “basic” used in a sentence: “Reading and writing are basic skills taught in primary school.”
What part of speech is “basic”?
Depending on how it is used, “basic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “basic” a common word?
“Basic” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “basic” have?
“Basic” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: forming the essential foundation of something; fundamental.
What is the difference between basic and 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.
What is the difference between basic and advanced?
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.
Is 'basic' a negative word?
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.
What is an example of basic?
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.
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