What does "basis" mean?

1. (foundation or reason) the main reason or idea that something is built on. 2. (regular frequency) the way or how often something happens. 3. (investment cost) the total amount of money spent on an investment, including fees. 4. (vector space) a set of basic vectors used to describe a space in math.

How do you use "basis"?

Often used with the preposition 'for'. Typically used in the construction 'on a [adjective] basis'.

Is it correct to say "I visit my parents on a weekly base."?

No — say "I visit my parents on a weekly basis.". Use 'basis' when describing the frequency of an action in the phrase 'on a ... basis'.

basis

US //ˈbeɪsəs// UK //bˈeɪsɪs// ba·sis

1 foundation or reason (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the main reason or idea that something is built on.

the underlying support or justification for an idea, argument, or system.

Example

The report provided a solid basis for the company's new strategy.

Example

The scientific community accepted the hypothesis as a basis for further research into the long-term effects of climate change.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'for'.
2 regular frequency (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the way or how often something happens.

a regular pattern or frequency of occurrence.

Example

We meet on a regular basis to discuss our progress.

Example

The security software updates on a daily basis to protect the network against emerging digital threats.

Usage

Typically used in the construction 'on a [adjective] basis'.
Pitfall

I visit my parents on a weekly base.

I visit my parents on a weekly basis.

Use 'basis' when describing the frequency of an action in the phrase 'on a ... basis'.

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3 investment cost (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Law

the total amount of money spent on an investment, including fees.

the original value of an asset for tax purposes, usually the purchase price adjusted for commissions and other expenses.

Example

You need to calculate your tax basis before selling the property.

Example

The accountant adjusted the cost basis of the shares to account for the recent stock split and brokerage fees.

Teacher's tip

This sense is specific to tax and accounting contexts; general learners should focus on the 'foundation' meaning.
- cost base
- principal
4 vector space (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Math

a set of basic vectors used to describe a space in math.

a set of linearly independent vectors that span a given vector space.

Example

The teacher explained how to find the basis of a three-dimensional space.

Example

In linear algebra, any vector in the space can be represented as a unique linear combination of the basis elements.

Origin

From Latin basis, from Ancient Greek βάσις (básis), from Proto-Indo-European gʷémtis, derived from Proto-Indo-European gʷem- (whence also come). Doublet of base.

Word family

Nounbasis
Adjectivebasic

Idioms1 entry

01
on a first-name basis
Having enough familiarity with another person to call them by their first name, as opposed to their surname.