basic, basal
Fowler's Modern English Usage:
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basic, basal
Both are 19th century words. Basic is the normal word in general contexts, and has usurped the role of other words such as essential and fundamental. Basal is used only in technical contexts and has a physical meaning more clearly connected with base: e.g. a basal ganglion is one situated at the base of the cerebrum.
| based, base, basis, basalt | |
| basically, basis, bath, bathe (verbs) |
