Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈbeɪsɪn/

Definitions

• 1. A large or deep bowl or container used for holding liquids, food, or other substances.
• 2. A natural or artificial depression in the earth's surface, typically containing water, such as a river basin or lake basin.
• 3. A geographic area drained by a single river and its tributaries, often referred to as a drainage basin or watershed.
• 4. The area of the sea near a coastline that is partly enclosed by land.

Usage Examples

• "She filled the basin with warm water to wash her hands."
• "The Amazon Basin is one of the largest river basins in the world."

Etymology

From Middle English basin, from Old French basin meaning "a large vessel for holding water," from Late Latin basinus, meaning "a basin or dish."

Synonyms

• Bowl
• Container
• Reservoir
• Trench

Antonyms

• Peak
• Summit
• Hill

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, it is pronounced as /ˈbeɪsɪn/.
• In British English, the pronunciation is similar, but with a softer "a" sound: /ˈbæsɪn/.

Historical Usage

The term "basin" has been in use since the 14th century, originally referring to a large vessel used for holding water. Over time, the word expanded in meaning to include natural features like river basins and geological depressions. Its usage in geography dates back to the 17th century when it began to be applied to areas of land drained by rivers.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the basin has symbolic meanings, often associated with purification or domestic tasks like washing. In ancient Egypt, basins were used in religious rituals for cleansing purposes. Today, basins are also a popular motif in art and design, often representing renewal or a cycle of life and death.

More Information

In modern times, the word "basin" is used in a variety of contexts, ranging from natural geography to household items. The river basin concept plays a critical role in hydrology and environmental science, while the basin is also a fundamental object in cooking, hygiene, and even in the symbolism found in religious practices across the world. The word has evolved into a useful term for describing both natural formations and everyday items.