noun
base
bays
noun
1
The lowest part of something, on which it stands or rests; a foundation.
"They built the statue on a solid stone base."
"Check the base of the lamp for the model number."
2
A place used as the main point of operations for a person, group, or military force.
"The soldiers returned to base after the exercise."
"The company set up its Asian base in Singapore."
verb
1
To use something as a starting point or foundation for a decision, argument, or story.
"The film is based on a true story."
"He based his decision on the sales figures from last quarter."
adjective
1
Morally low; without honour or decency.
"It was a base betrayal of his closest friend."
How to Use Base
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe bottom or foundation of something — literal (like a statue) or figurative (like an idea or army camp).
Common mistake
As an adjective meaning "morally low" (a base motive), this is a completely different sense from the noun meaning "foundation" — context makes it clear which is meant.
Common pairings
home base
military base
based on
base of operations
Word Forms
based past tense, bases singular
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They built the statue on a solid stone _____.
Etymology
From Old French base, from Latin basis, from Greek basis, "step" or "foundation." A doublet of basis and bass.