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
1
: something that is basic : fundamental
get back to basics
2
computers
: a simplified high-level language for programming a computer
The program was written in BASIC.
Synonyms
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
Rachel Riederer, The New Yorker, 12 June 2024
While there are many factors at play in which students get accepted where, some basic data highlights high schools where students are better prepared for enrollment at state universities.
—Harriet Blair Rowan, The Mercury News, 12 June 2024
Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2024
The on-leash training consists of six weeks of private sessions with you, your dog and your trainer to learn the basics, while the on and off-leash training is 10 weeks of private sessions with you, your dog and your trainer to achieve the same goal.
—Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for basic 
Adjective
Much of the research Schlanger writes about has been published in the past ten years, but that basic divide remains in place.
—Rachel Riederer, The New Yorker, 12 June 2024
While there are many factors at play in which students get accepted where, some basic data highlights high schools where students are better prepared for enrollment at state universities.
—Harriet Blair Rowan, The Mercury News, 12 June 2024
Noun
As if not challenging enough, hiring has slowed down to more reasonable levels, and the basics of skills and prior experience are now valued much more than college degrees.
—Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2024
The on-leash training consists of six weeks of private sessions with you, your dog and your trainer to learn the basics, while the on and off-leash training is 10 weeks of private sessions with you, your dog and your trainer to achieve the same goal.
—Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for basic
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.
Dictionary Entries Near basic
Cite this Entry
“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basic. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
adverb
-si-k(ə-)lē
-zi-
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
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