base
23 synonyms and 0 antonyms for base, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The lowest part of something, on which it stands or rests; a foundation.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use base
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French base, from Latin basis, from Greek basis, "step" or "foundation." A doublet of basis and bass.
Full origin of base →Frequently asked questions
What does “base” mean?
The word “base” means the lowest part of something, on which it stands or rests; a foundation. In plain terms, the bottom or foundation of something — literal (like a statue) or figurative (like an idea or army camp).
How do you pronounce “base”?
“Base” is pronounced bays (/beɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “base” in a sentence?
Here is “base” used in a sentence: “They built the statue on a solid stone base.”
What part of speech is “base”?
Depending on how it is used, “base” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “base” come from?
The word “base” comes from Latin. From Old French base, from Latin basis, from Greek basis, "step" or "foundation." A doublet of basis and bass.
Is “base” a common word?
“Base” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “base” have?
“Base” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the lowest part of something, on which it stands or rests; a foundation.
What is the difference between a base and a foundation?
The two overlap and are often interchangeable. A base is simply the lowest part of something, the part it stands on. A foundation usually refers to a base deliberately built to support a structure, like a building's footings. Every foundation is a base, but not every base is an engineered foundation.
What is an example of a base?
The base of a lamp is the wide, heavy bottom that keeps it upright. Other examples include the base of a mountain, where it meets flat ground, the base of a statue or column, and the base of a triangle. In each case it is the lowest part on which the rest rests.
What is the opposite of a base?
In the sense of the lowest part, the opposite of the base is the top, peak, apex, or summit. The base of a mountain contrasts with its peak, and the base of a glass sits opposite its rim. The base supports, while the top is the highest point, furthest from the ground.