basis
basis Lexical Profile
basis Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The underlying support, foundation, or fundamental principle upon which an idea, argument, system, or process rests.
"Trust and open communication form the basis of any successful partnership."
The regular way, schedule, or set of terms according to which an action is carried out or a relationship is conducted.
"The committee meets on a monthly basis to review the budget."
In finance and tax accounting, the original cost of an asset plus any capital improvements and related expenses, used to calculate capital gains or losses upon sale.
"Reinvested dividends increase your cost basis and reduce your taxable gain when you eventually sell the shares."
In mathematics, a set of linearly independent vectors that can be combined to represent every vector in a given vector space.
"In three-dimensional space, three mutually perpendicular unit vectors form a standard basis."
Word Nuance & Usage
The plural of "basis" is "bases" (pronounced BAY-seez), which is spelled identically to the plural of "base" (pronounced BAY-siz). While "base" usually refers to a literal, physical bottom or location, "basis" is used almost exclusively for abstract foundations, principles, or schedules.
• Rhymes for basis
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin basis, which comes from Ancient Greek básis, meaning "a stepping," "a step," or "that on which one stands or steps (a pedestal or foundation)," derived from the verb baínein ("to go, walk, or step").