ba ‧ sis S2 W1 /ˈbeɪsəs, ˈbeɪsɪs/ BrE AmE noun ( plural bases /-siːz/) [countable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ base , the basics, ↑ basis ; adjective : ↑ baseless , ↑ basic , ↑ based ; verb : ↑ base ; adverb : ↑ basically ]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: Greek , 'step, base' , from bainein 'to go' ]
1 . the facts, ideas, or things from which something can be developed:
Their claim had no basis in fact (=it was not true) .
basis of
Bread forms the basis of their daily diet.
basis for
The video will provide a basis for class discussion.
2 . on the basis of something because of a particular fact or situation:
discrimination on the basis of sex
3 . on a regular/daily/weekly etc basis every day, week etc:
I’m saving money on a regular basis.
4 . on a voluntary/part-time/temporary etc basis a system or agreement by which someone or something is ↑ voluntary etc:
Nurses are employed on a full-time basis.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ form the basis of something
This research will form the basis of a book.
▪ provide a basis for something
The poem provided the basis for an interesting class discussion.
▪ become the basis of/for something
Some of these ideas became the basis for the Parents’ Educational Union.
▪ serve as a basis for something
The document will serve as a basis for negotiations.
▪ establish a basis ( also lay a basis ) (=create something from which something can be developed)
The agreement established a sound basis for international commerce.
▪ have a basis
Our constitution has a democratic basis.
▪ have no basis in fact (=be not true)
Many of these rumours have no basis in fact.
■ adjectives
▪ a good basis
Love and trust form a good basis for marriage.
▪ a sound/firm/solid basis
Drama school may provide a sound basis for an acting career.
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THESAURUS
▪ basis the facts, ideas, things etc from which something can be developed:
His work will be used as a basis for future research.
▪ foundation the thing on which something is based, especially something important that continues for a long time:
Their ideas were the foundation for the political system that exists in the UK today.
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How can we provide a solid foundation for world peace?
▪ bedrock the most important thing that something depends on in order to be successful:
Honesty is the bedrock of any healthy relationship.
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Labour’s traditional bedrock of support is among the working classes.
▪ cornerstone the most important thing that something depends on in order to be successful, especially in business and politics:
Confidence is the cornerstone of our business.
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NATO remains a cornerstone of defence policy for Europe.