Meaning & use
basic
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a noun
Forming the main or most important part, from which other things develop.
Grammar: Before a noun: basic skills, basic principles.
Reading is a basic skill.
The basic idea is simple.
Children need basic care.
adjectivecomparable
Simple and having only what is necessary, with no extras.
Grammar: Can follow be: the room was basic.
The hotel was basic but clean.
He has only a basic knowledge of French.
adjectivenot comparablechemistry
In chemistry, having a pH above 7, like a base.
Grammar: Technical; the opposite of acidic.
Soap solutions are basic.
Word forms
| comparative | more basic |
|---|---|
| superlative | most basic |
Common combinations
- basic needs
- Food and shelter are basic needs.
- basic principles
- Learn the basic principles first.
- basic rights
- They fought for basic rights.
- basic skills
- The course teaches basic skills.
- basic salary
- The basic salary is low.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fundamental
- More formal and stresses importance at the foundation.
- essential
- Suggests that something cannot be done without.
- plain
- Describes lack of decoration, not importance.
- elementary
- Means at the simplest level.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: basic or basis?
basic vs basis
Basis is a noun meaning the foundation of an argument; basic is an adjective.
Practice
The cabin was very ___, with a bed, a table and nothing else.
Choose one answer.
Basic here means simple, with only what is necessary. Broad and bright do not describe the lack of extras.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “basic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.