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REFERENCE

basement

n.
US //ˈbeɪsmənt// UK //bˈeɪsmənt// base·ment
  1. 1 underground floor (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a floor of a building that is below the level of the ground.

    the lowest storey of a building, situated wholly or partly below ground level.

    Example

    We store our old suitcases and holiday decorations in the basement.

    Example

    The architect designed a reinforced concrete basement to house the building's complex heating and ventilation systems.

    Teacher's tip

    In British English, 'cellar' is often used for storage areas, while 'basement' usually implies a finished, livable space.
  2. 2 lowest rank (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Sport

    the very bottom position in a sports league or competition.

    the lowest position in a league table or set of competitive standings.

    Example

    After losing five games in a row, the team is stuck in the league basement.

    Example

    The club's management is under immense pressure to recruit new talent before they become permanent residents of the division basement.

    Usage

    Often used with the definite article 'the'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a common metaphorical use in sports journalism to describe teams that are failing.
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  1. 3 rock foundation (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the solid rock that lies under layers of soil or softer rock.

    the solid, typically igneous or metamorphic rock that forms the foundation of a tectonic platform.

    Example

    The engineers had to drill deep through the soil to reach the hard basement rock.

    Example

    Geological surveys revealed that the sedimentary basin sits atop a complex basement of ancient metamorphic structures.

    Usage

    Often used as a modifier, as in 'basement rock'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a highly specialized term used in geology and civil engineering.
Origin

From base + -ment.

Idioms1 entry

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