basic
- 01 A2 Elementary
adj.simple and including only the most important things.
adj.forming an essential foundation or starting point; elementary and without complexity.
Simple“The hotel room was very basic but it was clean and comfortable.”
In context“The course provides a basic introduction to economic theory, focusing on supply and demand before moving to more complex models.”
Synonyms - 02 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.
Simple“Food, water, and shelter are basic human needs.”
In context“The charity works to provide basic medical supplies to regions where healthcare infrastructure has completely collapsed.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“Soap is usually slightly basic, which helps it break down oils.”
In context“The researcher adjusted the solution to make it more basic, ensuring the chemical reaction occurred under optimal alkaline conditions.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
n.the simplest and most important facts or things.
n.the fundamental principles or essential components of a subject or activity.
Simple“Before you start cooking difficult meals, you need to learn the basics.”
In context“The workshop focuses on the basics of digital photography, such as aperture and shutter speed, to give beginners a solid foundation.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form 'basics'.
SynonymsAntonymsdetailsminutiae - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the first period of training for new soldiers.
n.the initial period of intensive physical and tactical training for new military recruits.
Simple“He lost a lot of weight while he was away at basic.”
In context“After completing basic, the recruits were assigned to specialised units for further technical instruction.”
UsageOften used without an article in the phrase 'in basic'.
Synonyms
Usage basic services · basic supplies · basic necessities
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.