basis
Pluralbases
- 1The main facts or ideas that something comes from or depends on.
Like the bottom of a tower that holds up everything above it.
We need some facts to use as a basis for our plan.
His claim had no real basis, so no one believed it.
UsageSay on the basis of the facts, or a basis for a plan. More than one: bases.
- 2How often something happens, such as every day or every week.
Like a clock that ticks at the same time every day.
We clean the kitchen on a daily basis.
She visits her grandmother on a weekly basis.
UsageSay on a daily basis or on a weekly basis; daily or every week is often simpler.
- 3The way something is set up or agreed, for example as part-time or unpaid work.
She works at the library on a part-time basis.
We hired him on a trial basis for one month.
UsageSay on a part-time basis or on a trial basis.
Similarfooting
- 4The solid part at the bottom that holds something up.
We see here the ground-plan of masses of houses, with their upper walls of fire-baked brick on a basis of stone.
1907, Ronald M. Burrows, The Discoveries In CreteSimilarbase, foundation, pedestal
Note
Less common meanings
- 5The total money you paid for an investment, including any fees.
Like keeping the receipt that shows everything you paid for something.
Her basis in the stock was higher because of the broker's fee.
Add any fees to the price you paid to get your basis.
UsageSay your basis in a stock or a house.
Note
- 6In math, a smallest set of directions you can combine to reach any point in a space.
Like a small set of building blocks you can combine to make any shape.
A basis lets you describe any point using just a few directions.
The arrows along the x and y axes form a basis for the plane.
Note
- 7In crop trading, the gap between the cash price paid for a crop and its market reference price.
- 8In math, a group of smaller sets that together cover a whole space and fit together where they overlap.
Practice
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Origin
English took it from Latin basis, which came from Ancient Greek básis. Base is a doublet of it.