basic

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbeɪsɪk/

adjective

  • 1forming an essential foundation or starting point; fundamental: certain basic rules must be obeyed the laying down of arms is basic to the agreement
  • offering or constituting the minimum required without elaboration or luxury: the food was good, if a bit basic
  • common to or required by everyone; primary and ineradicable or inalienable: basic human rights
  • 2 Chemistry having the properties of a base, or containing a base; having a pH above 7: these salts yield basic solutions comparable in strength with the mineral alkalisOften contrasted with acidic and alkaline
  • Geology (of rock, especially lava) relatively poor in silica: a coarse-grained, basic, plutonic rock
  • Metallurgy relating to or denoting steel-making processes involving lime-rich refractories and slags.

noun

(basics) informal
  • the essential facts or principles of a subject or skill: I learnt the basics of programming on a course teachers are going back to basics to encourage pupils to learn English
  • essential food and other supplies: people are facing a shortage of basics like flour

Origin:

mid 19th century: from base1 + -ic