Basic meaning in English

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Definition

basic: fundamental, primary, elementary, simple adjective
The job requires a basic knowledge of Excel. You don't need to be an expert, but you need an elementary understanding of it at least.
The living accommodations included in the vacation package were quite basic: just a bed, bathroom and small kitchen.
basically: essentially, fundamentally, principally, mostly adverb
the basics: the essentials, the facts, the principles, the fundamentals noun
to get down to the basics to get to the point

UK: The hotel room was basic but very comfortable.
US: Basically, I provide support for dogs.

Examples

  • "You basically represent two people at this office: Dave in the cafeteria, whom you bribed with two beers and a piece of cake, and Laura in accounts, who thought she was signing up for a cruise to Hawaii."
  • "I'm here to teach you people the basics of a positive work environment whether you like it or not!"
  • "The basic philosophy behind the movement is that eating locally has ecological value: The carbon footprint of Kobe beef which has made the trip from Japan to New York has more of an environmental impact than a piece of fresh meat from the local farmer's market."
  • "I'm doing some basic PR training with him this morning."
  • "Dr. Loblaw : Basically we're going to cut a flap of corneal tissue using a knife with an oscillating blade, open it up and remove some tissue beneath the cornea with a laser."
  • "French: Basic notions"
  • "These are two basic accounts, and, even if you're not rich, it's useful to have both."
  • "Jackson Bollocks : Listen Mr Jones, I'm going to give you a basic lesson in materials: a tall figure made from glass would soon break, especially if it were full of liquid."
  • "Reporter : You know, the basics: what country you were born in, how long you've been living in the States, whether or not you're an illegal alien, you know that sort of thing."
  • "Bruno : Well, Dr. Badguy, I don't want to tell you how to do your job, but the basic requirement of any ransom negotiation is that the kidnappers have a hostage."
  • "Portuguese: Basic notions"
  • "I‘ll show you the basics."
  • "Garth : Well basically, Edward, it's like this."
  • "Basically, I try to keep everyone happy, and everything organized."
  • "Basic computer skills necessary."
  • "We provide a stylish headset, which is basically a pair of electrodes that are attached to the victim's – I mean – subject's head..."
  • "This job required basic command of the English language."
  • "Bruno thinks he could handle some PR responsibilities, and he's asked me to teach him the basics of public speaking."
  • "Bruno : Well it's very complicated, but I can try to give you the basics."
Exercise 1
"Basically, the mayor wants to honor corporations",
Which of the following words shares a similar meaning with "basically" in this context?
"Basically, the mayor wants to honor corporations",
Which of the following words shares a similar meaning with "basically" in this context?
"Certainly" is not a synonym for "basically". "Certainly" means "surely" or "for sure".
"Fortunately" is not a synonym for "basically". "Fortunately" means "luckily", or "with a little chance".
"Originally" is not a synonym for "basically".
"Essentially" is a synonym for "basically" in this context. Bruno is explaining that the purpose for the Mayor's ceremony is "essentially" to 'honor local corporations.
Exercise 2
Complete the sentences below by choosing the right terms!

Thank you for purchasing this SuperShave 3000 nuclear-powered lawnmower. Although it will take you years to understand how to work this machine, here are the so you can get started right away.

1) Point machine at lawn.
2) Push button.
3) Get out of the way.

Important Note: For step 2, "button" refers the green button marked "Mow", not the red button marked "Nuke".
Complete the sentences below by choosing the right terms!

Thank you for purchasing this SuperShave 3000 nuclear-powered lawnmower. Although it will take you years to understand how to work this machine, here are the basics 1 so you can get started right away.

1) Point machine at lawn.
2) Push button.
3) Get out of the way.

Important Note: For step 2, "button" refers to 2 the green button marked "Mow", not the red button marked "Nuke".
1 basics: This is the right answer here. "The basics" represent the essential, key information needed to make something happen. Example: "I'm not an expert on biology, but I do know the basics. That is a leg, not an arm".
1 bases: This choice won't work here. "Base" has many meanings; generally, it is a point of support for an object, force, or ideology. For example, the "base" of a cup is the lowest part of it. "Bases" is the plural form.
1 buses: This choice won't work here. A "bus" is a large vehicle used as a form of public transport. You can write the plural as either "busses" or "buses", but neither makes sense here, I'm afraid!
2 to: "To" is the right answer here. The verb "to refer" always takes the preposition "to" afterwards. Another example would be "Please refer to the manual if you need more information about how to use this product."
2 of: This is not correct. The verb "refer" cannot be used with "of".
2 at: This is not correct. The verb "refer" cannot be used with "at".
Exercise 3
Listen to the audio, then fill in the blanks with the missing terms.
The hotel was but very .
Listen to the audio, then fill in the blanks with the missing terms.
The hotel room was basic but very comfortable .
Exercise 4
Kevin tells Mrs. Lee that Delavigne's "primary production need is glass bottles",

In this context, what is the meaning of a primary production need?
Kevin tells Mrs. Lee that Delavigne's "primary production need is glass bottles",

In this context, what is the meaning of a primary production need?
Although these are the primary colors, this choice is inappropriate.
"Well known" is not synonymous with "primary". "Primary" carries the sense of "importance" or "priority" and it should not be confused with "famous" or "well-known" needs.
In this context, "primary" conveys a sense of importance, not of simplicity or generality. In another context, it's true that "primary" can indicate something "basic" even primitive, however Kevin is not referring to the company's most basic need, but its most important.
"Primary" is being used here in the sense of "the most important" or "foremost". It is the best choice here.
Exercise 5
Opposites Attract!

Select the antonyms, or opposites of the words listed below. Each term was used in Luna's note.

Term Antonym
Loose
Lend
Clothed
Opposites Attract!

Select the antonyms, or opposites of the words listed below. Each term was used in Luna's note.

Term Antonym
Loose Tight 1
Lend Borrow 2
ClothedNaked 3
1 Tight: This is correct. In the context of clothing, garments are considered "loose" or "tight" depending on how much room there is for the body inside them. Example: "His shirt was so tight, you see the hairs on his chest."
1 Basic: This is incorrect. "Basic" means primary or simple, and isn't the opposite of "loose". The opposite of basic might be "complex", "advanced" or "sophisticated".
1 New: This is incorrect. "New" means recent "not existing previously", and isn't the opposite of "loose". The opposite of "new" is generally "old".
1 Formal: This is incorrect. "Formal" means "elegant", "sophisticated" or "fancy". Example: The wedding was very formal: only tuxedos and dinner dresses were worn.The opposite of "formal" is "informal" or "casual".
2 Borrow: This is correct. "To borrow" means to take or receive something with the promise and understanding that it will be returned. "Borrow" is the opposite of "to lend". Example: -Can I borrow your car this weekend? -Sorry, but I don't lend my car to chimpanzees, even if they are capable of human speech.
2 Give: This is incorrect. "To give" is to donate or award something; it isn't an antonym for "lend". A common antonym for "take" is "give".
2 Take: This is incorrect. "To take" isn't an antonym for "lend". A common antonym for "give" is "take".
3 Naked: This is correct. The adjective "clothed" describes someone or something that is "dressed" or "wearing clothes". Other antonyms for "clothed" include "nude", "undressed" and "unclothed".
3 Dressed: This is incorrect. "Dressed" and "clothed" are actually synonyms: words which express the same meaning.
3 Dirty: This is incorrect. "Dirty" means "unclean", "unhygienic" or "unwashed". It is not an antonym of "clothed".

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