basic

1 of 3

adjective

ba·​sic ˈbā-sik How to pronounce basic (audio)
 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 noun

basic

2 of 3

noun (1)

1
: something that is basic : fundamental
get back to basics
2

BASIC

3 of 3

noun (2)

BA·​SIC ˈbā-sik How to pronounce BASIC (audio)
computers : a simplified high-level language for programming a computer
The program was written in BASIC.

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
But many are less complex models, such as a time-only Day-Date or the Daytona, whose basic design language remains the same well into the 2020s. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2024 Rudimentary business tasks, like finding a bank or insurance provider, became more difficult, as federal narcotic laws prevent basic financial institutions from servicing marijuana companies. Wesley Parnell, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2024 Educational Value: There’s a lot for 1-year-olds to learn, from basic motor and language skills to letters, colors, sounds, and more. Julie Evans, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024 After a medical evacuation and a very informative journey last week, the tribes continue to grapple with paranoia, scheming and the basic principles of the game. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024 The dearth of basic medical supplies, owing to blockades, also contributed to the number of amputations. Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2024 Valle Central, Chile, $15 Soft and round, with flavors of peach and a hint of sweetness on the finish, this is basic, good chardonnay. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 Conduct basic water quality tests during the hour-long event. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Mar. 2024 While there are health risks associated with travel at higher elevations, these can be lessened by making basic preparations and taking time to slowly ascend. Brian Strickland, Discover Magazine, 9 Mar. 2024
Noun
From brands like Coach and Levi’s to Reebok and Chaco, this is the best place to start for investing in spring basics. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024 Here are the basics on this essential form of investment. Joe Rennison, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 Maximalist home design basics Klemm, who got her start in fashion and then moved to real estate and interior design, describes her style as modern maximalism with a touch of glam — bold colors, playful shapes, lots of texture and shine. The Indianapolis Star, 21 Mar. 2024 The basics of The Skyler on Hyde Park Square Address: 2745 Erie Ave., Hyde Park (former home of Hyde Park Baptist Church). The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024 Try the look with subtly studded or bedazzled denim styled with your most humble basics. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2024 Fitbit’s fitness tracker for children sticks to the basics, comes with parental controls, and has eight days of battery life. Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024 Unfortunately, understanding the basics of defending a client in a criminal trial is only the foundation of a strong DUI defense. David Stubblefield, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Dancing with the Stars' Jenna Johnson, who worked with Gosling for two weeks to go over some dance basics for the film, praised his skills. Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of basic was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near basic

Cite this Entry

“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

basic

1 of 3 adjective
ba·​sic ˈbā-sik How to pronounce basic (audio)
-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 How to pronounce BASIC (audio)
-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

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