Base
/beɪs/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe bottom or lowest part of something; a foundation or support.
/beɪs/
The bottom or supporting part of something.
The lamp has a heavy, solid base.
💡 Simply: The bottom part.
More Examples
The base of the mountain was covered in snow.
How It's Used
"The base of the column was cracked."
"The base of the triangle is 5 cm."
To establish or be situated at the bottom or foundation of something; to use as a starting point.
/beɪs/
To establish or form the base of something.
The story is based on a true event.
💡 Simply: To put something at the bottom or to start from something.
More Examples
The company is based in London.
How It's Used
"The troops based themselves near the river."
"The company is based in New York."
Fundamental; forming the basis or foundation.
/beɪs/
Fundamental or underlying.
Base ingredients for bread include flour and water.
💡 Simply: The most important part.
How It's Used
"A base is a substance that reacts with an acid."
Idioms & expressions
touch base
To make brief contact; to check in.
"Let's touch base tomorrow morning."
From Old French *base, from Latin *basis, meaning 'foundation'.
The word 'base' has been used in a similar sense to its current meanings since the Middle Ages.
Memory tip
Think of the BASE of a building – it's the foundation.