based
- 1Made or developed using something else as the starting point, usually with 'on' or 'upon'.
Like a house that stands on its foundation.
The film was based on a real shipwreck.
Her conclusions are based upon years of careful fieldwork.
UsageSay a film based on a true story.
- 2Built on a particular foundation or set of ideas, and often joined to another word as an ending.
Like a tower that needs a solid bottom to stay standing.
The new curriculum is broadly based, covering many different subjects.
She prefers water-based paints because they clean up so easily.
UsageSay water-based paint.
Note
- 3Having your main place of work or activity in a certain location.
Like a ship that always returns to the same home port.
The startup is based in Berlin.
She works as a pilot based out of Denver.
UsageSay she is based in Tokyo.
Similarheadquartered, stationed, located, situated
Less common meanings
- 4Admired for being yourself and saying what you think, even when other people do not like it.
Like clapping for the one person brave enough to disagree.
He told the coach the rule was unfair. Everyone said that was based.
My friends think she's based because she always says what she really thinks.
UsageThe opposite is cringe.
Oppositecringe
Note
- 5Said to strongly agree with something, especially an opinion many people disagree with.
Like shouting 'Nice one!' when someone says something bold.
"I still think physical books beat e-readers." "Based."
When he admitted he never watches sports, half the group just replied, "Based."
UsageReply Based. when you agree with a bold opinion.
Similarword
Oppositecringe
Note
- 6Having a bottom part or support of a certain kind.
Like a chair that stands on four steady legs.
Use a heavy-based pan so the sauce doesn't burn.
We bought a wide-based vase so the cat can't knock it over.
UsageSay a heavy-based pan.
Similarseated
- 7Not worried about what other people think of you, just being yourself no matter what.
Like wearing your favorite old shirt even when friends laugh at it.
My grandma wears bright pink hats everywhere and doesn't care who stares. She's based.
She's so based that no one's opinion ever changes how she acts.
Similarmaverick
Note
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
From the word "base" plus the ending "-ed".
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact
- Based is formed from base plus -ed. en.wiktionary.org
It was once an insult meaning high on cocaine, from basehead. The rapper Lil B turned it into praise for being yourself.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts
- Based was formerly an insult meaning high on cocaine. en.wikipedia.org
- Based derives from basehead. en.wiktionary.org
- The rapper Lil B reclaimed based as a positive term meaning being yourself. complex.com