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Intermediate Dictionary
       

ba·sic

basic

 
 
pronunciation:
beI sihk
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
features:
Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: of, forming, or at the basis; main.
The basic idea of bowling is to knock over as many pins as you can.
synonyms:
fundamental
similar words:
central, elementary, essential, principal, radical, vital
definition 2: necessary to know first, as a foundation; fundamental.
We learn the basic math skills of addition and subtraction before moving on to multiplication and division.
synonyms:
essential, fundamental
antonyms:
secondary
similar words:
central, elementary, necessary, primary, radical, vital
 
part of speech: noun
definition: (often plural) the basic knowledge or skills required to do something.
He doesn't even know the basics of cooking.
synonyms:
fundamentals
similar words:
elements, essentials
derivation: basically (adv.)
Word Builder: basic +
  • basic belief:
    an important idea that forms the basis of something.
  • basic right:
    a right of any person, especially a right promised by a constitution.
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  education, knowledge, physics