basic

Pluralbasics

1. 1
   nothing extraadjective

   Simple and plain, covering only what is needed and nothing extra.

   Like a plain sandwich with just bread and one filling.

   The hotel room was very basic, with just a bed and a sink.

   We learned the basic steps of the dance before trying anything harder.

   Similarsimple, rudimentary, elementary, minimal, plain

   Oppositeadvanced, sophisticated, elaborate

2. 2
   adjective

   Needed for life or for something to work properly.

   Like air: something you cannot live without.

   Clean water is a basic need for everyone.

   Food and shelter are basic to staying alive.

   UsageOften in basic needs or basic rights. Something can be basic to something else.

   Similaressential, fundamental, necessary, vital

   Oppositenonessential, unnecessary

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   A simple piece of knowledge or skill that harder things build on.

   Like the first brick you lay when building a wall.

   Before you can cook big meals, you need to learn the basics.

   The teacher made sure everyone knew the basics first.

   UsageUsually the basics, as in the basics of cooking or get back to basics.

   Similarfundamental, rudiment, principle

4. 4
   needed goodsnouncountable

   An item people regularly need, such as food, clothing, or household supplies.

   Like the food and water you always keep in the house.

   A plain white T-shirt is a basic that goes with everything.

   During the storm, shops ran out of basics like bread and milk.

   UsageUsually basics, as in basics like bread and milk.

   Similarstaple, necessity, essential

   Oppositeluxury

5. 5
   not acidicadjective

   Acting like a base in chemistry, with a pH higher than 7, the opposite of acidic.

   Like soapy water, which feels slippery, not sour like lemon juice.

   Baking soda mixed with water makes a mild basic solution.

   The cleaner is strongly basic, so it can irritate your skin.

   Similaralkaline

   Oppositeacidic

   Note

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