basic
word
/ˈbeɪsɪk/
BAY-sik
/bˈeɪsɪk/
BAY-sik
Definition
Something basic is simple and includes only the most important or necessary parts. It can also describe beginner-level knowledge or skills.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in everyday English. Often used before nouns: 'basic information', 'basic idea', 'basic training', 'basic needs'. It can be neutral, but when describing a person or taste, 'basic' can be informal and slightly negative, meaning unoriginal or predictable.
Spanish: básico - elementalPortuguese (BR): básico - elementarPortuguese (PT): básico - elementarChinese (Simplified): 基本的 - 基础的Chinese (Traditional): 基本的 - 基礎的Hindi: बुनियादी - मूलभूतArabic: أساسي - بسيطBengali: মৌলিক - সাধারণ (ভিত্তি) - বেসিক (অনুষ্ঠানিক নয়)Russian: базовый - основной - простойJapanese: 基本的（きほんてき）Vietnamese: cơ bảnKorean: 기본적인Turkish: temel - basitUrdu: بنیادیIndonesian: dasar
Example Sentences
I only know basic English.
basic
This phone has basic features.
basic
We need the basic facts first.
basic
Don't worry, it's a basic setup—I can show you in five minutes.
natural
His cooking is pretty basic, but at least it's cheap and fast.
natural
She gave me the basic idea, and I figured out the rest myself.
natural