ABCs

/eɪ biː siːz/

NOUN

1. The first letters of the alphabet

The letters A, B, and C, or the alphabet considered as a basic element of early reading and writing instruction.

The letters of the alphabet, especially when taught to young children as an introduction to reading and writing.

The kindergarten teacher encouraged her students to practice writing their ABCs every day.
Learning the ABCs is a fundamental step in a child's early education.

NOUN

The most elementary facts, principles, or skills needed to understand a subject or begin an activity.

The basic information or skills that provide an introduction to a subject or practical activity.

The training course teaches the ABCs of workplace safety.
Before learning advanced programming, students need to understand the ABCs of coding.

The most important facts or practical details needed to understand a situation or carry out a task.

NOUN

The basic doctrines, rules, or principles that form the foundation of a religious, philosophical, legal, or other system of thought.

The foundational beliefs or established principles that guide a particular system of thought, institution, or discipline.

The introductory course covers the ABCs of constitutional law.
Students studied the ABCs of the philosophical tradition before examining its more complex arguments.