Basic — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈbā-sik/ ba·sic

Meaning & Definition of Basic

Basic (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or forming the base or essence, fundamental
  2. concerned with fundamental scientific principles, not applied
  3. constituting or serving as the basis or starting point

Basic (noun)

  1. something that is basic, fundamental
  2. basic training
  3. a simplified high-level language for programming a computer

Basic (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject

    "you'll need a basic knowledge of computers to get any sort of office work"

    similar: abecedarian, basal, beginning, elemental, elementary, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying
    related: primal, primary, prime, simple, crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated, preliminary, preparatory, crucial, important, key
    opposite: advanced
    near: complex, sophisticated, complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate, developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

Basic (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in essential, must

    similar: essential, must, drive, need, requirement, stipulation, imposition, desire, request, want, wish, condition, provision, claim, demand, dun, importunity, requisition, ultimatum

Related Entry: Basic training (noun)

Basic training is a different word from Basic. The synonyms below are for basic training, not for basic.

  1. as in boot camp, cadetship

    similar: boot camp, cadetship, apprenticeship, externship, internship, practicum, training, education, grounding, instruction, schooling, tutelage, candidacy, probation, trial
    opposite: tenure

Related Entry: Basic trainings (noun)

Basic trainings is a different word from Basic. The synonyms below are for basic trainings, not for basic.

  1. as in boot camps, cadetships

    similar: boot camps, cadetships, apprenticeships, externships, internships, practicums, trainings, educations, groundings, instructions, schoolings, tutelages, candidacies, probations, trials
    opposite: tenures

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Basic

The most common words with a similar meaning to Basic:

abecedarian, basal, beginning, elemental, elementary, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying, must, drive, need, requirement, stipulation, imposition, desire, request, want, wish, condition, provision, claim, demand, dun, importunity, requisition, ultimatum

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Basic

Words with the opposite meaning of Basic:

advanced

Related Words for Basic

primal, primary, prime, simple, crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated, preliminary, preparatory, crucial, important, key

Near Antonyms of Basic

complex, sophisticated, complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate, developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

Word Forms of Basic

Derived words: basicity (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Basic

base:1 + -ic:1

First known use: 1842

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Basic

Words & Phrases Containing Basic

basic slag, basic training, basic amenities, airman basic

Frequently Asked Questions about Basic

What does "Basic" mean?

"Basic" means of, relating to, or forming the base or essence, fundamental. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: of, relating to, or forming the base or essence, fundamental. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Basic"?

Other words for "Basic" include abecedarian, basal, beginning, elemental, elementary, essential, fundamental and introductory. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Basic" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Basic"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Basic". Common alternatives include abecedarian, basal, beginning, elemental, elementary, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes and rudimental.

What is the opposite of "Basic"?

Antonyms of "Basic" include advanced. Near antonyms include complex, sophisticated, complicated and convoluted.

How do you use "Basic" in a sentence?

Examples of "Basic" in a sentence: "you'll need a basic knowledge of computers to get any sort of office work".

Is "Basic" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Basic" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Basic" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Basic" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Basic"?

"Basic" is pronounced /ˈbā-sik/ and divided into syllables as ba·sic.