basic
Definitions
Forming the foundation; essential and fundamental
基本的，根本的
Of the simplest or starting kind; with nothing extra
基础的，初级的；最简单的
Having the chemical properties of a base; alkaline (opposite of acidic)
碱性的（化学）
An essential fact, principle, or necessity (usually plural: the basics)
基本要素，基本原理（常用复数 the basics）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedbase + -ic (relating to) = 'belonging to the foundation.' What is at the base is what everything rests on, so basic means essential, fundamental, the starting level. The chemistry sense ('alkaline') comes from base = the opposite of an acid.
Root bas still carries 5 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.basic needs基本需求
- 2.basic skills基本技能
- 3.basic principles基本原理
- 4.basic information基本信息
Example Sentences
- 1.
Everyone deserves access to basic healthcare.
- 2.
Let's start with the basic steps before anything complex.
- 3.
This is just a basic model without extra features.
- 4.
A basic solution turns litmus paper blue.
Synonym Comparison
- basic — forming the foundation; the essential, starting level
- fundamental — deep and underlying, the most important base of all
- essential — absolutely necessary, cannot do without it
- elementary — at the simplest, introductory stage of learning