Definition of "basic" []

Of, relating to, or forming a base; fundamental: "Basic changes in public opinion often occur because of shifts in concerns and priorities” ( Atlantic). (adjective)
Of, being, or serving as a starting point or basis: a basic course in Russian; a set of basic woodworking tools. (adjective)
Chemistry Of or relating to a base. (adjective)
Chemistry Containing a base, especially in excess of acid. (adjective)
Chemistry Alkaline. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "basic" in a sentence

"Nathaniel Kleitman gave the name "basic rest activity cycle" to the 90-minute period at night during which we move through the five stages of sleep."
"But at the end of the day, if you can't get there for what we term basic services, which is education, health care and corrections, then what option is there?"
"It was what she calls her "basic venality" and desire to eat more decadently that led her through a succession of baroque fungus forays and conferences in search of satisfaction."

Words like "basic"

alkalic alkaline bare-bones basal base

commodity elemental elementary first fundamental

grassroots primary radical rudimentary standard

trade good underlying