Definitions of basics
British English : basics The basics of something are its simplest, most important elements, ideas, or principles, in contrast to more complicated or detailed ones.They will concentrate on teaching the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic.ˈbeɪsɪks NOUN
plural noun
- the fundamental principles or elements of something ⇒ ■ supplies of basics such as bread and milk , ⇒ ■ items that are the basics of a stylish wardrobe , ⇒ ■ For a year I learnt the basics of journalism. , ⇒ ■ They will concentrate on teaching the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. , ⇒ ■ He did not master the basics of reading until he was eight.
- See to get back to basics
adjective
- of, relating to, or forming a base or basis; fundamental; underlying
- elementary or simple ⇒ ■ a few basic facts
- excluding additions or extras ⇒ ■ basic pay
- (chemistry ) of, denoting, or containing a base; alkaline (of a salt) containing hydroxyl or oxide groups not all of which have been replaced by an acid radical ⇒ ■ basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO3.Pb( OH) 2
- of, denoting, or containing a base; alkaline
- (of a salt) containing hydroxyl or oxide groups not all of which have been replaced by an acid radical ⇒ ■ basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO3.Pb( OH) 2
- (metallurgy ) of, concerned with, or made by a process in which the furnace or converter is made of a basic material, such as magnesium oxide
- (of such igneous rocks as basalt) containing between 52 and 45 per cent silica
- (military ) primary or initial ⇒ ■ basic training
- of, denoting, or containing a base; alkaline
- (of a salt) containing hydroxyl or oxide groups not all of which have been replaced by an acid radical ⇒ ■ basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO3.Pb( OH) 2
noun
- (usually plural) a fundamental principle, fact, etc