basic idea

Jump To:

NOUN

central idea

Synonyms

STRONGEST

basic thought central principle central thought main idea main point

STRONG

core crux essence gist heart keynote pith point substance

WEAK

basic principle basis

NOUN

keynote

Synonyms

STRONG

basis center core cornerstone criterion crux essence gist heart idea kernel keystone linchpin mainspring marrow measure motive nub pith principle root source spring standard substance

WEAK

central idea

Antonyms

STRONG

end exterior exteriority outside periphery result surface

NOUN

keynote/keystone

Synonyms

WEAK

basis center core cornerstone criterion crux gist heart idea kernel linchpin mainspring marrow measure motive nub pith principle root source spring standard substance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

basic idea

The basic idea is that the brain has limited resources.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 31, 2026

Duncan Smith's basic idea was to make work pay, to incentivise people into a job.

From BBC ● Mar. 30, 2026

“The basic idea was, look, we have to plan for success,” Suleyman explained.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026

The basic idea is to pay tax when you’re in a lower tax bracket.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 28, 2025

Once a basic idea is established, an artist may develop it into a more complete study.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson