basics

6 definitions • 9 examples

the simplest and most important facts, ideas, or things connected with something:

I really must learn the basics of first aid.

The school can't even afford basics such as books and paper.

If you get back to basics, you start to give your attention to the simplest and most important matters after ignoring them for a while:

This is all part of a new back-to-basics campaign to raise standards in schools.

the central and most important principles of something:

Pablo has promised to teach me the basics of sailing.

things that people need to learn, know, or do before they can achieve something:

Success is achieved by focusing on the basics - quality, innovation, and customer care.

learn/master the basics (of sth) It shouldn't take long to learn the basics of the new software.

Building up the organization didn't happen overnight - it took years to get the basics right.

things that people need in order to be able to live comfortably, work effectively, etc.:

What proportion of your income do you spend on basics such as food and heating?

to spend time and effort doing the simplest but most important things, especially after an unsuccessful period of time spent doing things that are more complicated but less important:

We need to get back to basics and start delivering on promises to customers.