ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bases

n. · v.
US //ˈbeɪsəz// bases
  1. 1 foundations or bottom parts (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the bottom parts of objects that support them.

    the lowest or supporting parts of physical structures.

    Example

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

    Example

    The architect insisted that the column bases be reinforced with steel to withstand the weight of the new mezzanine level.
  2. 2 military or operations centres (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    places where a military or business does its main work.

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

    Example

    The army has several bases located near the border.

    Example

    The corporation established regional bases across Southeast Asia to streamline their distribution network and reduce shipping costs.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 starting points for ideas (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

    The two theories have very different scientific bases.

    Example

    The legal team argued that the two cases rested on entirely different constitutional bases, necessitating separate trials.
  2. 4 baseball (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English Sport

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

  3. 5 to use as a foundation (v.)
    A2 Elementary

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

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

    Example

    She bases her entire argument on the latest research.

    Example

    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.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference