basic

1 of 3

adjective

ba·sic ˈbā-sik

also -zik

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

basic truths

: concerned with fundamental scientific principles : not applied

basic research

: constituting or serving as the basis or starting point

a basic set of tools

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

: having an alkaline reaction

: containing relatively little silica

basic rocks

: 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

bā-ˈsi-sə-tē

noun

basic

2 of 3

noun (1)

: something that is basic : fundamental

get back to basics

: basic training

BASIC

3 of 3

noun (2)

BA·SIC ˈbā-sik

computers : a simplified high-level language for programming a computer

The program was written in BASIC.

Example Sentences

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Salmon runs in those rivers were so abysmal that even subsistence fishing, the harvesting of salmon for basic food needs by village residents, was sparse.

Yereth Rosen, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Nov. 2022 The Lord’s arms are a refuge for distressing times when even basic needs may be hard to come by.

Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 10 Nov. 2022 The funds were used to cover basic needs such as food, child care and housing expenses including rent, mortgages and utilities.

La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 9 Nov. 2022 Nygren defeated Nez in the nonpartisan race with a message of delivering basic needs to Navajos and expressing frustration at the pace of tribal government and infrastructure projects.

The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 Nov. 2022 However, some workers make pennies per hour, meaning that basic needs can take days of work to afford.

Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2022 In Phola, a township built for Black coal laborers during apartheid, many of the activists battling mines are not necessarily thinking about saving the planet but about meeting their basic needs.

John Eligon, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Nov. 2022 Michelle Book, the president of Food Bank of Iowa, said 1 in 7 working households across the state cannot cover the costs of their basic needs.

From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2022 How employees personally benefit from A.I. Academic theory suggests that at work, people have three basic psychological needs: Competence, autonomy, and relationships.

Shervin Khodabandeh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2022

Noun

Though warm, sunny days are numbered now that fall is just around the corner, a white tank top is a great basic for a year-round wardrobe.

Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 23 Aug. 2022 Everything is a casual basic that’s meant to be part of a man’s wardrobe for years, not replaced whenever a new trend comes along.

Ann Abel, Forbes, 12 July 2022 Easy to style and extremely durable, these tees are anything but an average basic.

Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 8 June 2022 That’s this basic of function as there is, and to not let the, the prosecutor, the public defender and the judges have legal research is like telling the garbage truck.

Laura Johnston, cleveland, 14 Mar. 2022 This is a basic of life and the county should be able to do that.

Laura Johnston, cleveland, 14 Mar. 2022 Numi also recently launched a second radical take on another basic with a stain-repellant, sweat-repellant, machine-washable silk line.

Jenny Singer, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2021 That's a great basic to start with, thanks to its versatility and relaxed fit.

Sanah Faroke, PEOPLE.com, 14 Aug. 2021 The Row knows that a signature, high-quality basic can elevate an entire outfit—an attitude that Jenner and Michelle have clearly taken to heart.

Liana Satenstei, Vogue, 30 June 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'basic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.