a popular programming language that is relatively easy to learn; an acronym for beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code; no longer in general use
basic
How to use basic in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for basic.
Editorial note
It's useful that CAD engineers know the basics so they can automate AutoCAD.
Quick take
a popular programming language that is relatively easy to learn; an acronym for beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code; no longer in general use
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of basic gathered in one view.
(usually plural) a necessary commodity for which demand is constant
pertaining to or constituting a base or basis; "a basic fact"; "the basic ingredients"; "basic changes in public opinion occur because of changes in priorities"
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for basic.
noun
a popular programming language that is relatively easy to learn; an acronym for beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code; no longer in general use
See also: BASIC
noun
(usually plural) a necessary commodity for which demand is constant
See also: staple
adjective
pertaining to or constituting a base or basis; "a basic fact"; "the basic ingredients"; "basic changes in public opinion occur because of changes in priorities"
adjective
reduced to the simplest and most significant form possible without loss of generality; "a basic story line"; "a canonical syllable pattern"
adjective
serving as a base or starting point; "a basic course in Russian"; "basic training for raw recruits"; "a set of basic tools"; "an introductory art course"
See also: introductory
adjective
of or denoting or of the nature of or containing a base
Example sentences
It's useful that CAD engineers know the basics so they can automate AutoCAD.
If we can't agree on the fact that I am American and should have basic rights, then we have nothing to talk about.
Android is no longer meaningfully open, other than a years old core of basic functions.
I thought this is basic knowledge of everyone technically engaged in Internet stuff.
I learned a lot of basic technical skills, how to write code quickly and learn new APIs quickly and deploy software to multiple machines.
I mean, if you can't answer basic questions about your knowledge in a one-on-one conversation, then that's a real problem, and not just in interviewing.
One is for "basic everyday computing" the other for "dazzling multimedia experience" and the other for "tools to save time and money.
The haziness of procedures, lack of basic rights, intimidation, no accountability of state officials -- we've seen all that until 1989.
Social infrastructure isn't like being a developer for the Playstation -- this is very basic and very global stuff, similar to water or power, and you shouldn't have to question its integrity.
More than anything else, this describes an appalling failure at every level of the company's technical infrastructure to ensure even a basic degree of engineering rigor and fault tolerance.
The defining characteristic of the Sociopaths elite is 'the basic heads-I-win-tails-you-lose pattern behind all Sociopath machinations.
We got that reputation by doing some concrete things differently than our competitors: we staffed an appropriate number of CSRs, trained them to be nice to customers, did a lot of gratuitous tech support for basic computer problems, and were flexible about resolving billing disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use basic in a sentence?
It's useful that CAD engineers know the basics so they can automate AutoCAD.
What does basic mean?
a popular programming language that is relatively easy to learn; an acronym for beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code; no longer in general use
What part of speech is basic?
basic is commonly used as noun, adjective.