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

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

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

Natalie Boren, an executive VP at recruiter Career Group Companies, responsible for fashion staffing, is surprised how many interviewees cannot muster basic information about a fashion house’s most recent work — or even the creative director’s name. — Cami Fateh, Vogue, 22 July 2026

First, define your business's core value proposition at its most basic level. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Noun

The capsule is using the Skims Modal fabric, which the brand uses for its basics line. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

The basics of investing are set out in accessible, but not childish, terms, and the little tutorials are free of any hint of edutainment or corniness. — Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 20 July 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

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

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