Words / B1

BAYS-ik/ˈbeɪsɪk/

Basic means simple and necessary, or at the lowest acceptable level: basic fire safety; basic rights; a basic error. Basics is the noun (the basics). Simple is everyday; elementary can sound like school. Hostel inspections: failed a basic fire-safety check.

Meaning

Simple and necessary; at the lowest acceptable level.

Examples

• “The hostel failed a basic fire-safety check.”
• “A basic calculator is allowed; a phone is not, which is the exam sense.”

Good to know

basic + noun (rights, pay, error). Noun: the basics. Everyday: simple. Inspections / exams. Not “basical”.

Near in meaning

simple

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