base
base Lexical Profile
base Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The lowest part or edge of something, especially the part on which it rests or is supported.
"The hikers set up their tents at the base of the mountain before beginning their ascent the next morning."
A headquarters, main center of operations, or starting point for an organization, expedition, or activity.
"The research team established a permanent base in Antarctica to monitor climate patterns throughout the winter."
A conceptual structure, principle, or core component upon which something draws support or depends.
"A strong educational system forms the base of a prosperous and innovative economy."
North American Any of the four stations at the corners of a baseball or softball infield that a runner must touch in order to score a run.
"The batter hit a sharp line drive into the outfield and sprinted toward first base."
A chemical substance that accepts protons, donates electron pairs, or reacts with an acid to form a salt and water, typically having a pH greater than 7.
"In the laboratory experiment, the students neutralized the hydrochloric acid by slowly adding a strong base."
• verb
To use a particular fact, idea, or situation as the foundation or starting point for developing something.
"The author chose to base her historical novel on real letters discovered in her grandmother's attic."
To situate or station a person, business, or organization at a specified place as a main center of operations.
"The international charity decided to base its European operations in Geneva."
• adjective
Serving as a starting point, standard, or foundation for comparison, calculation, or further development.
"The company offers a competitive base salary supplemented by annual performance bonuses."
Without moral principles; ignoble, selfish, or dishonorable.
"The novel explores how greed and ambition can drive otherwise ordinary people to commit base acts of betrayal."
Denoting or relating to metals of relatively low value that oxidize or corrode easily, such as iron, copper, or lead, as opposed to precious metals like gold and silver.
"Medieval alchemists spent centuries attempting to transmute base metals into pure gold."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'base' with its homophone 'bass' (meaning a low musical pitch or a deep voice). Additionally, as a noun in chemistry and geometry, 'base' has technical meanings distinct from 'basis', which typically refers to an abstract underlying reason or principle.
• Rhymes for base
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun and verb derive via Old French from Latin 'basis' and Ancient Greek 'basis', meaning a stepping or pedestal. The adjective meaning 'low' or 'ignoble' comes from Vulgar Latin 'bassus', meaning short or low in stature.