# basic

/ˈbeɪsɪk/ (US) · /bˈeɪsɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/basic
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. simple or fundamental

adjective · CEFR A2

simple and including only the most important things.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. necessary

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. chemistry

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

having a pH level higher than 7.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. essential things

noun · CEFR B1

the simplest and most important facts or things.

For teachers: 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'.

### 6. military training

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

the first period of training for new soldiers.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The hotel room is very basic but clean.
- Before you start the advanced course, you need a basic understanding of how the software works.
- While the initial proposal seems basic, it addresses the fundamental structural issues that have plagued the project since its inception, providing a necessary framework for future development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.