basic

1 of 3

adjective

ba·​sic ˈbā-sik 

also -zik

1

a

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

basic truths

These ingredients are a basic part of Thai cooking.

Large central vacuoles and cell walls constitute the basic difference between plants and animals at the cellular level.

—Herman H. Wiebe

b

: concerned with fundamental scientific principles : not applied

basic research

2

a

: constituting or serving as the basis or starting point

a basic set of tools

learned basic [=beginning] English

b

: not including anything extra

a basic motel room

a basic salary not including overtime and tips

3

a

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

basic nitrogen

b

: having an alkaline reaction

a basic catalyst

4

: containing relatively little silica

basic rocks

5

slang, disparaging : lacking originality and having or reflecting mainstream interests

Trying to avoid sounding like a basic girl here, but come on—pumpkin flavored anything is amazing. Whether it is ice cream or lattes, this is definitely one of the best parts about fall.

—Madison O'Brien

Note: Usage of this sense originated in African American English in the phrase basic bitch and has since broadened in meaning and become widespread.

6

: relating to or made by a process of making steel in which a furnace is lined with basic material (such as magnesite, dolomite, lime, or iron oxide) and a basic slag is used

basicity

bā-ˈsi-sə-tē 

noun

basic

2 of 3

noun (1)

1

: something that is basic : fundamental

get back to basics

2

: 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.

Synonyms of basic

Adjective

• rudimentary
• elementary
• introductory
• fundamental

Noun (1)

• principles
• elements
• grammar
• fundamentals

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

However, measures in place to limit the spread, such as regular handwashing and social distancing, are not followed at the artisanal mining sites, where work to extract gold is done by workers using basic hand tools like shovels and pans. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

NerdWallet also suggests learning basic pet-care skills, making your own pet toys and grooming your dog at home to help lower costs. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Noun

Ruti’s On The Loose Work Pants have earned a devoted following for their sleek style while being cozy, bringing attention to the brand’s mission of elevated basics with an elegant twist. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The Dawn of Fluids For centuries, scientists have understood the basics of fluids. — Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

Most founders recruit great talent, show them a few basics, then expect them to self-navigate while putting out the next fire. — Aaron Marcum, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

But introductory courses will still prohibit using AI for classwork — so students learn the basics without relying too much on the technology. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

base entry 1 + -ic entry 1

Noun (2)

Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code

First Known Use

Adjective

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Noun (1)

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1964, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing basic

• airman basic
• basic amenities
• basic slag
• basic training

Rhymes for basic

• monobasic
• ultrabasic

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

-si-k(ə-)lē, 

-zi-

adverb

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