Synonyms for

Basic

Adjective / ˈbeɪsɪk / Another word for basic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Something that is simple or fundamental.

Synonyms & similar words

canonical staple introductory canonic incidental fundamental elementary essential primary rudimentary simple standard underlying universal radical base bottom-line groundwork foundational preliminary structural initial primitive beginning starter

Synonyms by register

Formal

fundamental essential primary elementary

Informal

simple easy plain straightforward

Literary

rudimentary elemental primal

Antonyms

advanced complex complicated sophisticated elaborate specialized difficult

Common collocations

  • basic needs
  • basic training
  • basic principles
  • basic research
  • basic skills
  • basic understanding
  • basic income
  • basic instinct

Word family

noun basis
adjective basic
adverb basically

Usage note

Often used to describe something fundamental or essential. Can sometimes be used dismissively to imply something is unsophisticated or lacking in detail.

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Example sentences

  1. She had a basic understanding of the game.
  2. The recipe is pretty basic.
  3. The course covers basic computer skills.
  4. The house has a basic design.
  5. The basic idea is to start early.

Quotes

  • The basic idea of governance, as I see it, is to hold a society together, so that it can develop and march towards certain goals.
  • Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.
  • I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.

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