basic

adjective

ba·sic | \ˈbā-sik also -zik

Definition of basic

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : 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

3a : 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

basic

noun (1)

Definition of basic (Entry 2 of 3)

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

2 : basic training

BASIC

noun (2)

BA·SIC | \ˈbā-sik

Definition of BASIC (Entry 3 of 3)

computers : a simplified high-level language for programming a computer The program was written in BASIC.

Other Words from basic Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about basic

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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

Or better yet, who else would mix such a basic item with a pair of Maison Margiela Tabi heeled boots? — Rachel Hahn, Vogue, "Steve Lacy’s Latest Tour Style Signature? High Heels," 10 Dec. 2018 Galleries and auction houses collect basic information on their buyers and sellers, but the vetting is usually far less intense than for similar-size bank transactions. — William G. Rich, WSJ, "Let the Sun Shine In on the Art Business," 7 Dec. 2018 Additionally, keeping up those basic self-care practices—eating well, exercising regularly, and getting regular, good sleep—is an especially important part of keeping you healthy, Dr. Abbasi says. — Korin Miller, SELF, "What to Do If Mental Illness Runs in Your Family, Like Bruce Springsteen's," 28 Nov. 2018 Not only were citizens denied basic information about the candidates, even Baltimore’s police union and the City Council were shut out. — David Mcfadden, The Seattle Times, "Steep challenges face Baltimore’s next police leader," 20 Nov. 2018 Voters are asked to provide basic demographic information like gender, age, and ethnicity. — Emily Stewart, Vox, "Exit polls will give us an early — but imperfect — glimpse of the Election Day results," 6 Nov. 2018 Student Aid Report: After students complete a FAFSA, they are given a student aid report (SAR) which gives them basic information about their eligibility for federal aid, as well as listing their answers provided for their FAFSA. — Lincoln Anthony Blades, Teen Vogue, "What to Know About Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)," 1 Oct. 2018 Law enforcement is required to release basic information about homicides following next-of-kin notifications, according to the report. — Benjamin Brown, Fox News, "Mother of 5 fatally shot in her car, but no suspects 2 weeks later, authorities say," 24 Aug. 2018 This was at least semi-confirmed last month, when some basic information about the Mavic 2 was leaked in a British catalog ad. — Sebastian Modak, Condé Nast Traveler, "DJI's New Mavic 2 Drone Series Revealed," 23 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

It will still be focused on basics, Heattech's bread and butter (think bodysuits, T-shirts, leggings, and, yes, underwear), but with that Wang twist (like neon green accents). — Ana Colón, Glamour, "Alexander Wang Designed a Line for Uniqlo's Heattech, and Everything Is Under $50," 24 Oct. 2018 The exact rules and regulations depend on your state, but brush up on the basics by answering the 10 common questions below: ANSWER: 100 Turn signals aren't optional. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "QUIZ: Could You Still Pass a Basic Driver’s Ed Test?," 30 July 2018 On a typical day, students are instructed on the basics behind ballet, jazz and modern dance during a morning session. — Reema Amin, baltimoresun.com, "Anne Arundel summer dance program conveys confidence as well as technique," 11 July 2018 Of course, traditionalists will focus on the basics, and rightly so. — Dominic Armato, azcentral, "No-frills Sushi Nakano one of the best casual sushi restaurants in Phoenix," 10 July 2018 The buckets were a stark reminder of how urgently hospital officials needed to spend on basics like building maintenance. — Priyanka Dayal Mccluskey, BostonGlobe.com, "Working moms share their experiences balancing kids and careers," 30 May 2018 There’s instruction on the basics of working with Worbla, a material that pads out costuming. — Dewayne Bevil, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Stars, cosplayers, more in the mix at MegaCon Orlando," 23 May 2018 This gathering for adults and teenagers will answer questions on the basics of essential oils, where to begin and how to make the best use of our many essential oil options. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Killingly Edition," 21 May 2018 Here’s a briefing on telemedicine basics: Q: Are e-visits available from most hospitals and doctors? — Steven Findlay, Washington Post, "Hoping To See Your Doctor Via Telemedicine? Here’s A Quick Guide.," 9 May 2018

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.