base
noun (countable)
UK/beɪs/US/beɪs/
the lowest part or foundation of something; a headquarters or main place of operation; in chemistry, a substance with a pH greater than 7 that can neutralize acids
Example Sentences
He poured the concrete base for the new building’s foundation.
The lamp’s base is crafted from polished marble for extra stability.
The soldiers returned to their military base late in the evening.
In baseball, a player must step on every base to score a run.
A strong thesis statement often serves as the base of a compelling argument.
All the supplies are stored at the main base located in the city center.
Once we reached the base of the mountain, we carefully planned our ascent, ensuring we had the right equipment and route to safely reach the summit.
The company’s research facility acts as the base of innovation, where new product ideas undergo testing and refinement before being introduced to the market.
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verb (transitive)
UK/beɪs/US/beɪs/
to found or establish something on a principle, fact, or idea; to situate or locate
Example Sentences
They decided to base their theory on scientific findings.
Our marketing strategy is based on detailed consumer insights.
You should base your conclusions on reliable sources.
The architects will base the design on traditional Gothic features.
She tries to base every business decision on ethical considerations.
We plan to base our new office in the city center for better accessibility.
When you base your budgeting on realistic figures, you minimize the risk of overspending and financial strain over time.
It’s crucial to base your argument on verified data and logical reasoning, especially when presenting to a skeptical audience.
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adjective
UK/beɪs/US/beɪs/
forming or serving as the foundation or core of something; basic or fundamental
Example Sentences
We decided to purchase the base model of the car due to our limited budget.
A base metal like copper is often alloyed to produce stronger materials.
He removed the base coat of paint before applying a fresh layer.
Her base knowledge of physics wasn’t enough, so she enrolled in a higher-level class.
The company offered a competitive base salary with additional performance bonuses.
They made improvements to the base version of the software by adding more advanced features.
When launching a complex project, it’s smart to start with a base plan that outlines key milestones, leaving room for adjustments as the project evolves.
Her base reaction was to avoid confrontation, but she slowly learned to communicate assertively when facing disagreements.
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How to Use
A central foundation, supporting structure, or starting point in various contexts.“Base” can serve as both a noun and a verb, so the way you use it depends on your purpose. As a noun, it often describes the foundational element of something—like the base of a lamp or the base of a triangle in geometry. You might also see it used figuratively, such as “the base of our argument,” meaning the essential groundwork. In everyday conversation, it can reference the home plate in baseball or the main military installation, e.g., “He just got back to base.” When used as a verb, “to base” something on another factor means you rely on it as a foundation, for example, “I based my conclusions on the survey data.” Paying attention to context clarifies whether you should treat “base” as a physical object, a conceptual foundation, or an action. If you need to emphasize location, specify it (“Place the statue on the sturdy base”). If you want to stress reliance on something, make it clear: “We base our marketing approach on customer feedback.” Always match the form—noun or verb—to your intended meaning for clarity and precision.
Alternatives
Depending on context, synonyms for “base” can vary. When speaking of a physical foundation, consider words like “foundation,” “footing,” or “groundwork,” which underscore the structural aspect. If you mean a conceptual starting point—say, the basis of a theory or plan—try “core,” “root,” or “basis,” all of which highlight the underlying principle. In settings where “base” refers to a headquarters, you might use “hub,” “center,” or “main station,” each implying a central location or operational site. When you discuss how one thing depends on another, “build on,” “rely on,” or “anchor in” might capture the idea of using something as a reference or support. If the idea is strictly about the bottom portion of an object—like the base of a trophy—using “bottom,” “pedestal,” or “stand” can be clearer. Tailoring your synonym to the exact sense of “base”—structural, conceptual, or locational—ensures precision. This also prevents overuse of the same term, making your language more engaging while conveying the right nuance.
Writing
In formal and academic writing, “base” frequently appears to clarify foundational elements in arguments or research. You might say, “Our findings are based on extensive fieldwork,” instantly indicating reliance on collected data. If you’re describing a physical object, specify how “base” functions: “The sculpture rests on a marble base,” offering a concrete image of stability. When discussing logic or methodology, a phrase like “the theoretical base of this study” helps distinguish a conceptual underpinning from peripheral details. However, be cautious about overusing “base” as a catch-all term. You can keep your writing precise by opting for synonyms—like “foundation” or “root”—when you want to emphasize the depth or origin of an idea. When shaping paragraphs, place “base” in positions that highlight its role: as the concluding reason for a claim or the opening framework of an argument. By mixing clear references to the fundamental structure with well-chosen transitions, your text remains coherent and grounded. Above all, stay consistent: if you refer to something as a “base,” ensure the reader knows exactly what it supports or how it underlies your argument.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, “base” can cover lots of ground, from physical locations to the basic reasons behind decisions. You might say, “The base of that lamp is really unique,” noting how it looks or functions as the support. If you’re discussing sports, “Don’t forget to tag the base!” is common in baseball. Meanwhile, when chatting about day-to-day choices, you might remark, “I base my grocery list on what’s on sale,” casually indicating how you decide priorities. If you need a friend’s insight, you might start with, “I’m basing my conclusion on your feedback—do you think that’s fair?” This everyday usage shows how “base” can set up your explanation or reason. If you notice you’re repeating it, consider sprinkling in terms like “foundation” or “starting point,” especially if you’re excited about variety in your speech. But generally, “base” is a simple go-to for describing the support or backbone of nearly anything—from your favorite cooking sauce to your choice in TV shows. Keep it relaxed, and let the context make your meaning clear, whether you’re dealing with physical objects or personal rationale.
Etymology
The word “base” in English descends from the Latin “basis,” itself borrowed from the Greek “basis,” meaning “a stepping, pedestal, or foundation.” In ancient times, this term carried a very literal meaning: the bottom support of a statue, column, or building. As it moved into Latin and then into French, the word’s sense expanded, applying not just to architecture but also to concepts and principles that form a foundation. Over the centuries, English speakers further diversified “base,” applying it to everything from military encampments—where troops are stationed—to chemical compounds, where a “base” counters an acid. During the scientific and philosophical growth of the Renaissance, “base” developed more abstract connotations—like the underlying premise of an argument. Similarly, expansions in commerce and technology saw “base” describing operational centers or core data sets. While these varied uses might seem unrelated, they share the common thread of support, either physical or conceptual. This evolution highlights how language adapts when society requires new ways to frame foundational elements, whether in math, science, construction, or everyday speech.
