/ ˈbeɪsɪk; NAmE / adjective
1.
basic (to sth) forming the part of sth that is most necessary and from which other things develop :
basic information / facts / ideas
the basic principles of law
Drums are basic to African music.
2.
of the simplest kind or at the simplest level :
The campsite provided only basic facilities.
My knowledge of French is pretty basic.
3.
[ only before noun ] necessary and important to all people :
basic human rights
the cost of basic foods
4.
before anything extra is added :
The basic pay of the average worker has risen by 3 per cent.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 19th cent.: from the noun base + -ic .