basic

Definitions

1. adjective

   Needed for life or for something to work.

   Examples

   • Flour is a basic ingredient of bread.
   • Having access to the truth is a basic right.
   ≈indispensable≈needed≈basic≈essential≈indispensable +6 more
2. adjective

   Simple and not fancy.

   Examples

   • The hotel room was basic but clean.
   • He has only a basic understanding of the subject.
   ≈no-frills≈spartan≈austere≈bare≈bare-bones +32 more
3. adjective

   In chemistry, having a pH above 7.

   Examples

   • The solution became basic after the powder was added.
   • Basic solutions turn litmus paper blue.
   ≈alkaline≠acidic
4. adjective

   In slang, ordinary and not interesting.

   Examples

   • People say she is basic because she follows every trend.
   • He thinks that movie is basic.
   ≈dull≈tedious≈bog-standard≈ordinary≈banal +84 more
5. noun

   Something you need every day.

   Examples

   • The store sold only the basics during the shortage.
   • They stocked up on basics before the storm.
6. noun

   A simple idea you must learn first.

   Examples

   • Arithmetic is a basic for the study of math.
   • I know the basics of sailing and want to learn more.
7. noun

   The first training that new soldiers receive.

   Examples

   • The sergeants were very strict in basic.
   • He was tired after the first week of basic.