based
based Lexical Profile
based Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having a specified place as the main location of residence, business operations, or headquarters (often used in combination).
"The charity partnered with a London-based engineering firm to design the new water filtration system."
Having a specified substance, concept, or system as the fundamental ingredient, source, or underlying principle (usually used in combination).
"Switching to a plant-based diet helped improve his cardiovascular health over the course of the year."
(Slang) Courageously authentic, unapologetic, and true to oneself regardless of social pressure or conventional opinion; admirable or worthy of respect.
"Many online commenters called the director's refusal to compromise his artistic vision completely based."
• interjection
(Slang) Used to express strong agreement, approval, or admiration for a bold, controversial, or candid statement.
""I think public libraries are the most important institutions in modern society." "Based!""
Word Nuance & Usage
In standard English, 'based' is followed by 'on' or 'upon' when indicating a conceptual foundation, and 'in' or 'at' when indicating a geographical location. In contemporary internet slang, it is used as a standalone adjective or interjection to praise unapologetic authenticity or express strong agreement.
• Rhymes for based
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed as the past participle of the verb 'base', derived via Old French from Latin 'basis' and Ancient Greek 'basis' (meaning a stepping, pedestal, or foundation). The modern slang sense was popularized in the late 2000s by American rapper Lil B ('The BasedGod'), who reclaimed a West Coast street slang term for crack cocaine addiction and redefined it as living authentically and positively without regard for others' judgment.