Base

/beɪs/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonObject
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The bottom or lowest part of something; a foundation or support.

/beɪs/

nounneutralBeginner
Object

The bottom or supporting part of something.

The lamp has a heavy, solid base.

💡 Simply: The bottom part.

More Examples

2

The base of the mountain was covered in snow.

How It's Used

Architecture

"The base of the column was cracked."

Mathematics

"The base of the triangle is 5 cm."

2

To establish or be situated at the bottom or foundation of something; to use as a starting point.

/beɪs/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

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

2

The company is based in London.

How It's Used

Military

"The troops based themselves near the river."

Business

"The company is based in New York."

Tip:Think of basing an argument – starting with your main point.
3

Fundamental; forming the basis or foundation.

/beɪs/

adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Property

Fundamental or underlying.

Base ingredients for bread include flour and water.

💡 Simply: The most important part.

How It's Used

Chemistry

"A base is a substance that reacts with an acid."

Tip:Think of BASIC – the fundamental elements.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Antonyms

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.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"foundation, support"

base pricebase yearbase camp

Common misspellings

basbais

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written