Alkaline and Basic are closely related and,.in many aspects of their use synonymous terms. Both are opposites or correlatives of the adjective acid and denote some aspect of relationship to bases (alkalies).
Distinctively, alkaline suggests the properties (as neutralizing acids, turning litmus paper blue) of bases.
- alkaline taste
- alkaline solution
- alkaline earth
- a strong alkaline reaction
Basic relates more directly to the bases themselves, especially in implying derivation from or capacity to react as a base.
- a basic salt
- basic dye