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
Kate Gibson, CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024
His work on topics including alpha-synuclein—a protein linked to both diseases—continues to influence basic and clinical science.
—science.org, 26 Sep. 2024
Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024
There will be small-group tastings, a tasting lounge and non-vendor presentations on everything from the basics of brewing to the 5,000-year history of the second-most popular drink in the world.
—Christine Clarridge, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for basic 
Adjective
Disney+ basic, with ads, will rise from $7.99 a month to $9.99, while Disney+ premium without ads will also go up two bucks to $15.99 a month.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024
His work on topics including alpha-synuclein—a protein linked to both diseases—continues to influence basic and clinical science.
—science.org, 26 Sep. 2024
Noun
Taylor Wilson: So Dan, just starting with some of the basics, what exactly has Eric Adams been charged with here?
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024
There will be small-group tastings, a tasting lounge and non-vendor presentations on everything from the basics of brewing to the 5,000-year history of the second-most popular drink in the world.
—Christine Clarridge, Axios, 26 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 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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