How to pronounce basic
Say it like BAY-sik. Basic has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAY).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈbeɪsɪk/BAY-sik
UK British/ˈbeɪsɪk/BAY-sik
- BAY
- sik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Basic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- sikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of basic
American and British speakers say basic in essentially the same way: /ˈbeɪsɪk/ in the US and /ˈbeɪsɪk/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAY-sik.
What does basic mean?
adjective
- Necessary, essential for life or some process.“Flour is a basic ingredient of bread.”
- Elementary, simple, fundamental, merely functional.“The Hotel Sparta’s accommodation is very basic.”
- Of or pertaining to a base; having a pH greater than 7.
- A necessary commodity, a staple requirement.“Rice is a basic for many Asian villagers.”
- An elementary building block, e.g. a fundamental piece of knowledge.“Arithmetic is a basic for the study of mathematics.”
- Basic training.“The drill sergeants gave him hell in basic.”
Where does basic come from?
From base + -ic.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying basic
How do you pronounce basic?
Say BAY-sik. The American pronunciation is /ˈbeɪsɪk/. In British English it is /ˈbeɪsɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in basic?
Basic has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAY). Broken into parts: BAY · sik.
Do Americans and Brits say basic the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbeɪsɪk/ and the British form is /ˈbeɪsɪk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.