[General] Base or Basic

Good afternoon everybody,

I'm french and currently writing a software documentation in english. After spending hours searching through internet, I can't satisfy myself about the difference between basic and base.

We've got almost same words in French ("basique" and "base") that have a pretty different meanings:
- "basique" means elementary, simple
- "base" means principle

I thought it was the same in english until i found on the web things like "basic elements" and others...

Can anyone switch my light on ?

[sarat_106]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Good afternoon everybody,

I'm french and currently writing a software documentation in english. After spending hours searching through internet, I can't satisfy myself about the difference between basic and base.

We've got almost same words in French ("basique" and "base") that have a pretty different meanings:
- "basique" means elementary, simple
- "base" means principle

I thought it was the same in english until i found on the web things like "basic elements" and others...

Can anyone switch my light on ?

Yes. In English also the two words have different meanings. While ‘basic’ is primarily used as an adjective; meaning: to have simple facts or ideas about some thing: Example-He has a basic understanding of the problem.
The word ‘base’ can be used as (i) a noun; meaning the lower part of something/foundation: Example- The boxer hit the base of his opponent's neck.
(ii) as a verb meaning: situate as a centre of operations: Example- We will base this project at the new site. (iii) as an adjective; meaning: serving as or forming a base: Example- The painter applied a base coat followed by two finishing coats on the surface.