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basics 
1  n-plural The basics of something are its simplest, most important elements, ideas, or principles, in contrast to more complicated or detailed ones. 
usu the N, oft N of n  (=fundamentals) 
They will concentrate on teaching the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic..., A strong community cannot be built until the basics are in place..., Let's get down to basics and stop horsing around.  
2  n-plural Basics are things such as simple food, clothes, or equipment that people need in order to live or to deal with a particular situation. 
...supplies of basics such as bread and milk., ...items that are the basics of a stylish wardrobe.  
3 If you talk about getting back to basics, you are suggesting that people have become too concerned with complicated details or new theories, and that they should concentrate on simple, important ideas or activities. 
♦ back to basics  phrase usu PHR after v, PHR n 
...a new `back-to-basics' drive to raise standards of literacy in Britain's schools.  

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"Collins Cobuild English Dictionary for Advanced Learners 4th edition published in 2003 © HarperCollins Publishers 1987, 1995, 2001, 2003 and Collins A-Z Thesaurus 1st edition first published in 1995 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995"