Base Definition
bās
based, baser, bases, basest, basing
noun
bases
The lowest or bottom part.
The base of a cliff; the base of a lamp.
American Heritage
The thing or part on which something rests; lowest part or bottom; foundation.
Webster's New World
The fundamental or main part, as of a plan, organization, system, theory, etc.; specif., the most loyal supporters of a political candidate or party, a sports team, etc.
Webster's New World
The principal or essential ingredient, or the one serving as a vehicle.
Paint with an oil base.
Webster's New World
A supporting part or layer; a foundation.
A skyscraper built on a base of solid rock.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
adjective
baser, basest
Forming or serving as a base.
A base layer of soil.
American Heritage
Forming a base.
Webster's New World
Situated at or near the base or bottom.
A base camp for the mountain climbers.
American Heritage
Having or showing little or no honor, courage, or decency; mean; ignoble; contemptible.
A base coward, base ingratitude.
Webster's New World
Of, relating to, or containing a base.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
verb
based, bases, basing
To form or provide a base for.
Based the new company in Portland.
American Heritage
To make or form a base or foundation for.
Webster's New World
To find a basis for; establish.
Based her conclusions on the report; a film based on a best-selling novel.
American Heritage
To put or rest (on) as a base or basis.
To base a guess on past experience.
Webster's New World
To assign to a base; station.
Troops based in the Middle East.
American Heritage
abbreviation
Building, Antenna-tower, Span, Earth.
Wiktionary
idiom
off base
- Badly mistaken.
American Heritage
off base
- not touching the base
- taking a position or attitude that is unsound or in error
Webster's New World
on base
- at a base, having reached it safely with a base hit, walk, etc.
Webster's New World
touch all the bases
- to deal with all related details
Webster's New World
touch base
- to be in communication or contact
Webster's New World
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Base
- off base
- off base
- on base
- touch all the bases
- touch base
Origin of Base
-
Middle English from Old French from Latin basis from Greek gwā- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Middle English bas low from Old French from Medieval Latin bassus
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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