basic
gb/bˈeɪsɪk/ us/bˈeɪsɪk/
A2
English
~ 1000
alapvető, egyszerű, alapfelszereltségű, sablonos, basic, tucatízlésű, bázikus, lúgos
A2
1
alapvető
B1
Usage pattern:
[something] is basic
The basic idea is easy to understand.
Az alapvető gondolatot könnyű megérteni.
We need to cover the basic rules before starting the game.
A játék megkezdése előtt át kell vennünk az alapvető szabályokat.
She has only a basic knowledge of Spanish.
Good health care is a basic human right.
The manual explains the basic steps for installation.
Learner examples
This is a basic question.
Ez egy alapvető kérdés.
I need to learn basic English words.
Meg kell tanulnom az alapvető angol szavakat.
Water is a basic need for life.
He knows the basic rules of the game.
We teach basic computer skills.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'basic' with 'basis'. 'Basis' is a noun meaning the foundation or reason for something, while 'basic' is usually an adjective describing simplicity or importance.
Meaning
simple and essential
Collocations
basic idea
|basic skill
|basic need
|basic information
|basic principle
Synonyms
fundamental (Slightly more formal and often used in academic or technical contexts.)
|
essential (Emphasizes necessity more strongly than 'basic'.)
Antonyms
advanced (Refers to a higher or more complex level than 'basic'.)
|
complex (Suggests something with many parts or details, opposite of simple.)
Themes
daily life
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Simple and important; the most necessary part of something.
Forming the simplest, most important, or necessary part of something.
A2
2
egyszerű
A1
Usage pattern:
[something] is basic
The hotel room was clean but very basic.
A hotelszoba tiszta volt, de nagyon egyszerű.
We bought the basic model without extra features.
Az alapmodellt vettük meg, extra funkciók nélkül.
The food was basic but tasty.
Her clothing style is quite basic.
This phone has only the most basic functions.
Learner examples
The room is basic but nice.
A szoba egyszerű, de kellemes.
He has a basic phone.
Egyszerű telefonja van.
We stayed in a basic hotel.
The design is very basic.
I want a basic car without extras.
Meaning
simple, not sophisticated
Collocations
basic design
|basic model
|basic version
|basic service
Synonyms
plain (Focuses on lack of decoration or complexity.)
|
rudimentary (Suggests being very simple, possibly incomplete or primitive.)
Antonyms
luxurious (Suggests high comfort and quality, the opposite of plain.)
|
sophisticated (Implies advanced design or complexity.)
Themes
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Plain and simple; not fancy or advanced.
Not having advanced features, detail, or sophistication; plain or simple.
B2
INFORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
[someone] is basic
He's so basic—he only drinks pumpkin spice lattes in the fall.
Annyira basic: ősszel csak pumpkin spice lattét iszik.
That outfit is cute but kind of basic.
Cuki ez a szett, de kicsit sablonos.
She loves all the most basic TV shows.
Learner examples
My friend is very basic. She likes all the popular things.
Az egyik barátnőm nagyon basic: minden népszerű dolgot szeret.
He is so basic. He watches only famous movies.
Annyira sablonos. Csak híres filmeket néz.
She is basic. She likes the same clothes as everyone.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this slang meaning and could misunderstand it as simply 'simple'. Context is important.
Meaning
unoriginal and mainstream (slang)
Collocations
so basic
|totally basic
Synonyms
mainstream (Neutral term for widely accepted tastes; lacks the negative tone of 'basic' in slang.)
|
cliché (Focuses on overused ideas or behaviors.)
Antonyms
unique (Emphasizes being different from others in taste or behavior.)
|
original (Highlights creativity and individuality.)
Themes
slang
|pop culture
|communication
|emotions
Definition
(Slang) Liking things that are popular and common, not special or different.
(Slang) Showing tastes, interests, or behavior that are unoriginal, predictable, and mainstream, especially in a way seen as lacking individuality.
B2
TECHNICAL
4
Ammonia is a basic substance.
Az ammónia bázikus anyag.
The solution became basic after adding sodium hydroxide.
Az oldat bázikussá vált, miután nátrium-hidroxidot adtak hozzá.
Soapy water is usually basic.
Learner examples
This liquid is basic, not acidic.
Ez a folyadék lúgos, nem savas.
Soap makes water basic.
A szappan lúgossá teszi a vizet.
Baking soda water is basic.
Meaning
having pH above 7 (chemistry)
Collocations
basic solution
|basic compound
Synonyms
alkaline (More technical term used interchangeably in chemistry contexts.)
Antonyms
acidic (Having a pH less than 7; chemically opposite to 'basic'.)
Themes
science
Definition
In science, having a pH higher than 7; opposite of acidic.
(Chemistry) Having the properties of a base; having a pH greater than 7.
Grammar
Dictionary form
basic
IPA
GB/bˈeɪsɪk/
US/bˈeɪsɪk/
Syllables & stress
ba - sic (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ba)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: basic
Word family
Expressions
back to basics
1/bˈæk tə bˈeɪsɪks/
idiom
returning to fundamentals
To return to simple and most important ways of doing something.
Examples
- The coach decided it was time to go back to basics and focus on passing skills.
- After trying many new strategies, the team went back to basics.
basic training
1/bˈeɪsɪk tɹˈeɪnɪŋ/
fixed phrase
initial military instruction
The first training that people get when they join the army.
Examples
- He completed his basic training before being sent overseas.
- Basic training lasts for eight weeks.