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
1
: something that is basic : fundamental
get back to basics
2
computers
: a simplified high-level language for programming a computer
The program was written in BASIC.
Synonyms
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2023
This means of thought allows for lucid idea-browsing, as well as basic observation of one’s surroundings.
—Jonathan Rowe, Spin, 19 Sep. 2023
Follow new clues without losing sight of basic elements.
—Nancy Black, cleveland, 19 Sep. 2023
According to the Associated Press, Jin and then-new conscripts took part in five weeks of basic military training at the base, including rifle shooting, grenade throwing and marching practices.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2023
Features Budget-friendly, basic liners will do the job, but taking the time to find the best shower curtain liner with helpful features can make your shower experience more pleasant.
—Alice Knisley Matthias, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2023
His research found two basic reasons most women decide to take their husband's last name.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2023
There is nothing new or particularly interesting about a hunky male celebrity getting his flowers in the press for fulfilling basic parenting duties — such as, in Jonas’ case, feeding his children.
—Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2023
That's the basic gist of Porco Rosso, Hayao Miyazaki's greatest film about flying and an underrated classic.
—Matt Kamen, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2023
Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 20 Sep. 2023
Almost, really, back to basics which for movies means that box office revenues take on more value.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 20 Sep. 2023
For more information, consider joining the trademark basics boot camp that the US Patent and Trademark Office hosts quarterly.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 15 Sep. 2023
Get back to the basics of pie baking with this old-school tool.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023
From trendy shackets to timeless basics and fall florals fit for special-occasion dinners, these 10 tops are among Amazon's best-sellers for autumn.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2023
The basics Longevity is an issue most people start thinking about too late, according to anti-aging and cellular health expert Greg Macpherson.
—Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune Well, 12 Sep. 2023
Sixty-five percent of Detroit households can't afford to keep up with the basics, including rent, child care, food, health care and utilities, according to the United Way.
—Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2023
People won’t need outlandish ingredients or kitchen equipment, just the basics.
—Wire Services, Dallas News, 8 Sep. 2023
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Adjective
It’s got basic features that line up with its budget price point.
—Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2023
This means of thought allows for lucid idea-browsing, as well as basic observation of one’s surroundings.
—Jonathan Rowe, Spin, 19 Sep. 2023
Follow new clues without losing sight of basic elements.
—Nancy Black, cleveland, 19 Sep. 2023
According to the Associated Press, Jin and then-new conscripts took part in five weeks of basic military training at the base, including rifle shooting, grenade throwing and marching practices.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2023
Features Budget-friendly, basic liners will do the job, but taking the time to find the best shower curtain liner with helpful features can make your shower experience more pleasant.
—Alice Knisley Matthias, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2023
His research found two basic reasons most women decide to take their husband's last name.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2023
There is nothing new or particularly interesting about a hunky male celebrity getting his flowers in the press for fulfilling basic parenting duties — such as, in Jonas’ case, feeding his children.
—Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2023
That's the basic gist of Porco Rosso, Hayao Miyazaki's greatest film about flying and an underrated classic.
—Matt Kamen, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2023
Noun
Her husband, meanwhile, stuck to basics with a striped tee, jeans, and a baseball cap.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 20 Sep. 2023
Almost, really, back to basics which for movies means that box office revenues take on more value.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 20 Sep. 2023
For more information, consider joining the trademark basics boot camp that the US Patent and Trademark Office hosts quarterly.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 15 Sep. 2023
Get back to the basics of pie baking with this old-school tool.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023
From trendy shackets to timeless basics and fall florals fit for special-occasion dinners, these 10 tops are among Amazon's best-sellers for autumn.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2023
The basics Longevity is an issue most people start thinking about too late, according to anti-aging and cellular health expert Greg Macpherson.
—Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune Well, 12 Sep. 2023
Sixty-five percent of Detroit households can't afford to keep up with the basics, including rent, child care, food, health care and utilities, according to the United Way.
—Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2023
People won’t need outlandish ingredients or kitchen equipment, just the basics.
—Wire Services, Dallas News, 8 Sep. 2023
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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
Phrases Containing basic
Dictionary Entries Near basic
Cite this Entry
“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basic. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.
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Kids Definition
basic
1 of 3 adjective
ba·sic
ˈbā-sik 
-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
adverb
-si-k(ə-)lē
-zi-
basic
2 of 3 noun
: something basic : fundamental
BASIC
3 of 3 noun
BA·SIC
ˈbā-sik
-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
More from Merriam-Webster on basic
Nglish: Translation of basic for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of basic for Arabic Speakers
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