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
John Hope Bryant, TIME, 18 Jan. 2025
This period, a decade after the end of the Korean War, is often depicted—by my parents’ generation, who were children at the time, and later in books, film, and TV—as one of hunger and hardship, of basic survival.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2025
With the help of donor countries, the U.N. organized two-week training courses on the basics of mine clearance.
—Michael Holtz, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for basic 
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Adjective
The emotional crisis of confidence: Trust has been eroded—not just in leaders, but even in basic systems and emergency services, like an assurance that your local fire hydrant will work.
—John Hope Bryant, TIME, 18 Jan. 2025
This period, a decade after the end of the Korean War, is often depicted—by my parents’ generation, who were children at the time, and later in books, film, and TV—as one of hunger and hardship, of basic survival.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
Everlane's travel capsule wardrobe-ready pieces are on major sale this weekend, with savings of up to nearly 70 percent off on elevated basics like The Barrel Pants (now only $29) and The Cocoon Crew (on sale for $59 from $98).
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2025
With the help of donor countries, the U.N. organized two-week training courses on the basics of mine clearance.
—Michael Holtz, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
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 22 Jan. 2025.
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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