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basic

Meaning in simple English

US /ˈbeɪsɪk/

basic means: Simple and easy to understand, or providing only the most necessary things.

adjective

SIMPLEA2

Simple and easy to understand, or providing only the most necessary things.

  • The room has basic furniture.
  • We learned some basic cooking skills.
  • This course gives beginners a basic understanding of computers.

Similar words: simple, elementary

Opposites: advanced, complex

Common phrases: basic training, basic skills, basic equipment

ESSENTIALA2

Necessary for life or for something to work properly.

  • Everyone needs basic shelter.
  • Clean water is a basic human need.
  • The law protects our basic rights.

Similar words: essential, fundamental, necessary

Opposites: inessential

Common phrases: basic needs, basic rights, basic requirement

ALKALINEB2

Having a pH above seven and able to make an acid less strong.

  • This solution is basic.
  • Adding this powder makes the water more basic.
  • The reaction works best under basic conditions.

Similar words: alkaline

Opposites: acidic

Common phrases: basic solution, basic substance, basic conditions

noun

ESSENTIAL THINGSB1

The most important things you need to know or have, usually considered together.

  • Let us start with the basics.
  • The course covers the basics of photography.
  • Once you understand the basics, the harder tasks become easier.

How to use it: the basics of something (We learned the basics of cooking.)

Similar words: essentials, fundamentals

Common phrases: an important basic, a necessary basic

FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGEB2

A simple fact, skill, or idea that helps you understand or learn more difficult things.

  • Counting is a basic of mathematics.
  • He has mastered the basics of drawing.
  • We reviewed a few basics before studying the harder material.

How to use it: the basics of something (She taught us the basics of algebra.)

Similar words: fundamental, foundation

Common phrases: an essential basic, master a basic

NECESSARY SUPPLYC1

Something people need regularly, such as food or clothing.

  • Rice is a basic in many homes.
  • They could barely afford basics like bread and milk.
  • The shop sells household basics at low prices.

Similar words: necessity, staple, essential

Opposites: luxury

Common phrases: a household basic, an everyday basic

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