basic

1 of 3

adjective

ba·​sic ˈbā-sik How to pronounce basic (audio)
 also  -zik
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
basicity noun

basic

2 of 3

noun (1)

1
: something that is basic : fundamental
get back to basics
2

BASIC

3 of 3

noun (2)

BA·​SIC ˈbā-sik How to pronounce BASIC (audio)
computers : a simplified high-level language for programming a computer
The program was written in BASIC.

Examples of basic in a Sentence

Adjective In this class, you will learn the basic principles of chemistry. At its most basic level, the book is about a father's relationship with his children. The basic difference between the two companies is their size. rights that are basic to all human beings basic reading, writing, and mathematics She lacks even the most basic skills necessary for the job. That's just the basic salary without overtime or tips. The motel is comfortable but pretty basic: you get the necessities all right, but no luxuries. Noun (1) He's teaching me the basics of Japanese cooking. He starts basic in two months. Noun (2) The program is written in BASIC.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Some water systems are falling short in basic ways, the alert said, including failure to change default passwords or cut off system access to former employees. Michael Phillis, Fortune, 21 May 2024 South Africa today struggles to provide the most basic needs for its people. John Eligon Prentice Onayemi Anna Diamond Devin Murphy, New York Times, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for basic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'basic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

base entry 1 + -ic entry 1

Noun (2)

Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code

First Known Use

Adjective

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (1)

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basic was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near basic

Cite this Entry

“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basic. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

basic

1 of 3 adjective
ba·​sic ˈbā-sik How to pronounce basic (audio)
-zik
1
: of, relating to, or forming the base or basis : fundamental
basic research
2
: of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a chemical base
basically
-si-k(ə-)lē
-zi-
adverb

basic

2 of 3 noun
: something basic : fundamental

BASIC

3 of 3 noun
BA·​SIC ˈbā-sik How to pronounce BASIC (audio)
-zik
: a simplified language for programming and interacting with a computer
Etymology

Noun

Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code

Medical Definition

basic

adjective
ba·​sic
ˈbā-sik also -zik
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

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