# basics

/ˈbeɪsɪks/ (US) · /bˈeɪsɪks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/basics-2
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. fundamental principles

noun · CEFR A2

the most important facts or skills that you must learn first.

For teachers: the fundamental elements or principles of a subject or activity. Plural in form and usually takes a plural verb.

- Before you start cooking difficult meals, you need to learn the basics.
- The introductory course focuses on the basics of corporate law before moving into specialized case studies in the second semester.

### 2. essential supplies

noun · CEFR B1

the simple things you need to live or stay comfortable, like food and water.

For teachers: the essential items or services required for living or for a specific task.

- We only have enough money for the basics like rent and groceries.
- When packing for the hiking trip, ensure you have the basics such as a map, water, and a first-aid kit.

### 3. programming language

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

different versions of BASIC, an old computer programming language.

For teachers: plural referring to different implementations or versions of the BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) programming language.

- Early home computers often ran different versions of the various Basics available at the time.
- The museum exhibit compared several early Basics to demonstrate how coding syntax evolved across different hardware platforms.

## Examples

- I need to learn the basics of cooking first.
- Before you can start writing complex code, you must have a firm grasp of the basics of the programming language.
- The introductory course is designed to strip away unnecessary jargon and focus entirely on the basics of financial management for small business owners.

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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.