English Reference

Word

basic

Phoneticsba·sic, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈbeɪsɪk/

UK/bˈeɪsɪk/

Definitions

01simple or fundamental

A2 · Elementary

adj. simple and including only the most important things.

adj. forming an essential foundation or starting point; elementary and without complexity.

“The hotel room was very basic but it was clean and comfortable.”

“The course provides a basic introduction to economic theory, focusing on supply and demand before moving to more complex models.”

Antonyms

02necessary

B1 · Intermediate

adj. something that you must have or that is needed for life.

adj. relating to the most essential needs or requirements of a person or system.

“Food, water, and shelter are basic human needs.”

“The charity works to provide basic medical supplies to regions where healthcare infrastructure has completely collapsed.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03chemistry

C1 · Advanced Science Technical

adj. having a pH level higher than 7.

adj. having the properties of a base; reacting with an acid to form a salt and having a pH greater than 7.

“Soap is usually slightly basic, which helps it break down oils.”

“The researcher adjusted the solution to make it more basic, ensuring the chemical reaction occurred under optimal alkaline conditions.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

04essential things

B1 · Intermediate Plural noun

n. the simplest and most important facts or things.

n. the fundamental principles or essential components of a subject or activity.

“Before you start cooking difficult meals, you need to learn the basics.”

“The workshop focuses on the basics of digital photography, such as aperture and shutter speed, to give beginners a solid foundation.”

Usage

Usually used in the plural form 'basics'.

Antonyms

05military training

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Military Informal

n. the first period of training for new soldiers.

n. the initial period of intensive physical and tactical training for new military recruits.

“He lost a lot of weight while he was away at basic.”

“After completing basic, the recruits were assigned to specialised units for further technical instruction.”

Usage

Often used without an article in the phrase 'in basic'.

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “basic” in context.

Verb

01. basic include

“Basic amenities include running water and electricity.”

adj + verb

02. keep basic

“We should keep the design basic to ensure it is easy to use.”

verb + adj

03. remain basic

“Living conditions in the camp remain basic despite recent aid.”

verb + adj

Adjective

04. fairly basic

“I only have a fairly basic understanding of how the engine works.”

adv + adj

05. very basic

“The hotel room was very basic, with just a bed and a small desk.”

adv + adj

Noun

06. basic instinct

“Survival is a basic instinct shared by all living creatures.”

adj + noun

07. basic need

“The charity provides for the basic needs of the refugees.”

adj + noun

08. basic principle

“You need to learn the basic principles of physics first.”

adj + noun

09. basic skill

“The course teaches basic skills like cooking and cleaning.”

adj + noun

10. at a basic level

“He can communicate in Spanish at a basic level.”

11. back to basics

“The school decided to go back to basics and focus on literacy.”

12. provide the basic necessities

“The government failed to provide the basic necessities for its citizens.”

Etymology

Acronym for Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, but designed to spell out basic (i.e. simplistic). First use appears c. 1964 in the BASIC Instruction Manual.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

basic(B1)

Related words

Domains

ChemistryMilitary

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Very common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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