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basic idea

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.

The basic idea is that companies can’t engage in tax-reducing maneuvers that lack a substantial business purpose, and the IRS has been using the doctrine to attack transactions during audits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

It's an imperfect science but the basic idea to reach the net confidence number is the optimism score minus the pessimism score.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Dec. 28, 2025

Remote sensing data collected by orbiting spacecraft like those used for this study provide researchers with a basic idea of the composition of the moon's surface, according to Andrews-Hanna.

From Science Daily • Oct. 12, 2025

The basic idea: How to make machines work best for people without becoming overwhelming.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel