basic
gb/bˈeɪsɪk/ us/bˈeɪsɪk/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
simple and essential
Simple and important; the most necessary part of something.
Usage pattern:
[something] is basic
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.
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.)
Collocations
basic idea
|basic skill
|basic need
|basic information
|basic principle
Themes
daily life
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The basic idea is easy to understand.
- We need to cover the basic rules before starting the game.
- 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.
- I need to learn basic English words.
- Water is a basic need for life.
- He knows the basic rules of the game.
- We teach basic computer skills.
adjective
A2
property
2
simple, not sophisticated
Plain and simple; not fancy or advanced.
Usage pattern:
[something] is basic
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.)
Collocations
basic design
|basic model
|basic version
|basic service
Themes
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The hotel room was clean but very basic.
- We bought the basic model without extra features.
- 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.
- He has a basic phone.
- We stayed in a basic hotel.
- The design is very basic.
- I want a basic car without extras.
adjective
informal
B2
property
3
unoriginal and mainstream (slang)
(Slang) Liking things that are popular and common, not special or different.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is basic
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this slang meaning and could misunderstand it as simply 'simple'. Context is important.
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.)
Collocations
so basic
|totally basic
Themes
slang
|pop culture
|communication
|emotions
Examples
- He's so basic—he only drinks pumpkin spice lattes in the fall.
- That outfit is cute but kind of basic.
- She loves all the most basic TV shows.
Learner examples
- My friend is very basic. She likes all the popular things.
- He is so basic. He watches only famous movies.
- She is basic. She likes the same clothes as everyone.
adjective
technical
B2
property
4
having pH above 7 (chemistry)
In science, having a pH higher than 7; opposite of acidic.
Synonyms
alkaline (More technical term used interchangeably in chemistry contexts.)
Antonyms
acidic (Having a pH less than 7; chemically opposite to 'basic'.)
Collocations
basic solution
|basic compound
Themes
science
Examples
- Ammonia is a basic substance.
- The solution became basic after adding sodium hydroxide.
- Soapy water is usually basic.
Learner examples
- This liquid is basic, not acidic.
- Soap makes water basic.
- Baking soda water is basic.
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.