base
bays
Base (noun) means the lowest part of something, on which it stands or rests; a foundation. Example: “The tall vase wobbled because its base was too narrow.”
noun
1
The lowest part of something, on which it stands or rests; a foundation.
"The tall vase wobbled because its base was too narrow."
"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.
"We used the cabin as a base while we explored the mountains."
"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 teacher based the test on the chapters we had read in class."
"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.
"The villain in the story is driven by base greed and a love of cruelty."
"She refused to act from such base motives, even when she was tempted."
"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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
home base
military base
based on
base of operations
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- bases
- Past tense
- based
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tall vase wobbled because its _____ was too narrow.
Etymology
From Old French base, from Latin basis, from Greek basis, "step" or "foundation." A doublet of basis and bass.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for base
See all rhymes for 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.
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