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
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024
And that’s just the most basic example of how a tweak here—on just one input question—and a bump there on dozens of other factors can throw the whole system.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024
For those earning $101,000 to $150,000, 22% are spending nearly all their money on basics, up from 18%.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for basic 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
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Adjective
Tiffany x Elsa Peretti’s will add just a touch a shimmer and shine to even the most basic of looks.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024
And that’s just the most basic example of how a tweak here—on just one input question—and a bump there on dozens of other factors can throw the whole system.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
Now, the brand goes back to basics with a new colorway in the standard date version of the iconic model featuring a handsome blue gray dial.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024
For those earning $101,000 to $150,000, 22% are spending nearly all their money on basics, up from 18%.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for basic
Dictionary Entries Near basic
Cite this Entry
“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basic. Accessed 8 Nov. 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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