basis
English meaning: Basis
Definition
A physical base or foundation.
Example
“The figures will be reviewed on a monthly basis.”
Another example: “There is no scientific basis for that claim.”
Usage — When, Where & How
The underlying foundation, reason or principle for something ('on a regular basis', 'the basis of the argument'); in statistics and maths, a reference set of vectors. Note the irregular plural 'bases'. Neutral to formal register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'basis', from Greek 'basis' 'a step, base, foundation', from 'bainein' 'to step'; late 16th century.
Synonyms
- base
- foundation
- cornerstone
- ground
- fundament
- groundwork
- footing
Related Words
- ratio
- enrollment
- orientation
- vector
- eligible
- matrix
- teacher
- gender
Common Collocations
- on a regular basis
- on the basis of
- scientific basis
- basis for
- daily basis
- case-by-case basis
Word Forms
basis (sing); bases (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B