1 ~ (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 [onlybeforenoun] 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.
