Base

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb, Adjective

Pronunciation

/beɪs/

Definitions

• Noun: The bottom or foundation of something; the supporting part or structure.
• Noun: A principal component or foundation in a particular field (e.g., a base in chemistry, a military base).
• Noun: The starting point of a system or process (e.g., base of operations).
• Verb: To establish or form the foundation or basis for something (e.g., to base an argument on facts).
• Adjective: Of or relating to the bottom or foundation of something (e.g., base layer).

Usage Examples

• The base of the mountain was covered in dense forest.
• She based her decision on scientific evidence.
• The military has established a base in the region.

Etymology

The word "base" comes from the Latin "basis," meaning "foundation" or "support," derived from Greek "βάσις" (basis), meaning "a stepping or a foundation." The word has been in use since the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Foundation
• Groundwork
• Root
• Bottom
• Source

Antonyms

• Top
• Summit
• Peak
• Cap

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In the US: /beɪs/
• In the UK: /beɪs/
• In India: /ādhār/

Historical Usage

The term "base" has been in use since the 14th century, initially referring to a foundation or support. It evolved in different fields such as military terminology (base of operations) and scientific terminology (base in chemistry) over time.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, "base" can denote the foundation of various structures, systems, or ideas, such as the base of a political party or the base of a pyramid. In different cultures, the idea of a "base" can represent security, stability, or origin.

More Information

The word "base" has a wide range of uses in various contexts. In mathematics, it refers to the foundational number used in number systems (e.g., base 10 in the decimal system). In military terms, a base refers to a central location for operations, such as a military base. In the context of chemistry, a base is a substance that can accept hydrogen ions or donate a pair of valence electrons. The versatility of the word "base" allows it to be applied in a variety of disciplines and languages.