English Reference
noun · verb

bases

n. · v.
US /ˈbeɪsəz/ bases

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.the bottom parts of objects that support them.

    n.the lowest or supporting parts of physical structures.

    Simple

    The lamp bases were made of heavy marble to keep them from tipping over.

    In context

    The architect insisted that the column bases be reinforced with steel to withstand the weight of the new mezzanine level.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.places where a military or business does its main work.

    n.centres of operations or headquarters, particularly in a military or logistical context.

    Simple

    The army has several bases located near the border.

    In context

    The corporation established regional bases across Southeast Asia to streamline their distribution network and reduce shipping costs.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the plural of 'basis'; the main ideas or facts that something is built on.

    n.the plural of 'basis'; the underlying principles, facts, or foundations from which a system or idea is developed.

    Simple

    The two theories have very different scientific bases.

    In context

    The legal team argued that the two cases rested on entirely different constitutional bases, necessitating separate trials.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate American English Sport

    n.the four stations a player must run to in a game of baseball.

    n.the four stations on a baseball field that a runner must touch in order to score a run.

    Simple

    The runner managed to steal two bases during the second inning.

    In context

    With the bases loaded and two outs, the pressure on the pitcher to deliver a strike was immense.

  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    v.to use a particular place or idea as a starting point.

    v.the third-person singular present form of 'base'; to use something as a foundation or starting point for an activity or idea.

    Simple

    She bases her entire argument on the latest research.

    In context

    The company bases its marketing strategy on consumer data collected over the last five years.

    Usage

    often used with the preposition 'on'


Etymology 1

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Latin basēs pl. See basis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated