Basis
/ˈbeɪsɪs/
nounIntermediateVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
The foundation or underlying principle on which something is based.
/ˈbeɪsɪs/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
Foundation or groundwork
The decision was made on the basis of new evidence.
💡 Simply: The main reason or support for something.
More Examples
2
His argument lacked a solid basis.
How It's Used
Science
"The experiment's results are based on a solid scientific basis."
Law
"The judge's decision was based on the basis of the presented evidence."
Idioms & expressions
on the basis of
Because of; due to.
"The decision was made on the basis of their report."
From Old French base, from Latin basis, from Greek βάσις (basis) 'a stepping, walk, pace, gait; base, pedestal'.
The word has consistently referred to a foundation or underlying principle since its adoption into English.
Memory tip
Think of a building's basis – its foundation.
Practice
basesbasiss
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written