basic

¹ba·sic

adjective \ˈbā-sik also -zik\

Definition of BASIC

1

a : of, relating to, or forming the base or essence : fundamental <basic truths>

b : concerned with fundamental scientific principles : not applied <basic research>

2

: constituting or serving as the basis or starting point <a basic set of tools>

3

a : of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a chemical base

b : having an alkaline reaction

4

: containing relatively little silica <basic rocks>

5

: relating to, made by, used in, or being a process of making steel done in a furnace lined with basic material and under basic slag

— ba·sic·i·ty \bā-ˈsi-sə-tē\ noun

Examples of BASIC

1. In this class, you will learn the basic principles of chemistry.
2. At its most basic level, the book is about a father's relationship with his children.
3. The basic difference between the two companies is their size.
4. rights that are basic to all human beings
5. basic reading, writing, and mathematics
6. She lacks even the most basic skills necessary for the job.
7. That's just the basic salary without overtime or tips.
8. The motel is comfortable but pretty basic: you get the necessities all right, but no luxuries.

First Known Use of BASIC

1842

Related to BASIC

Synonyms

abecedarian, basal, elementary, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying

Antonyms

advanced

Related Words

primal, primary, prime, simple; crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated; preliminary, preparatory; crucial, important, key

Near Antonyms

complex, sophisticated; complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate; developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

²basic

noun

Definition of BASIC

1

: something that is basic : fundamental <get back to basics>

2

: basic training

Examples of BASIC

1. He's teaching me the basics of Japanese cooking.
2. He starts basic in two months.

First Known Use of BASIC

1926

BA·SIC

noun \ˈbā-sik\

Definition of BASIC

: a simplified high-level language for programming a computer

Examples of BASIC

1. The program is written in BASIC.

Origin of BASIC

Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code

First Known Use: 1964

Other Computer-Related Terms

adware, flash, kludge, phishing, recursive, router

ba·sic

adjective \ˈbā-sik also -zik\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of BASIC

1

: of, relating to, or forming the base or essence

2

a : of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a base b : having an alkaline reaction