n.
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English bas, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin bassus fat, short, low
Date: 14th century
1 archaic : of little height
2 obsolete : low in place or position
3 obsolete : BASS
4 archaic : BASEBORN
5 a : resembling a villein : SERVILE <a base tenant> b : held by villenage < base tenure>
6 a : being of comparatively low value and having relatively inferior properties (as lack of resistance to corrosion) <a base metal such as iron> ― compare NOBLE b : containing a larger than usual proportion of base metals < base silver denarii>
7 a : lacking or indicating the lack of higher qualities of mind or spirit : IGNOBLE b : lacking higher values : DEGRADING <a drab base way of life>
– base · ly adverb
– base · ness noun
synonyms BASE , LOW , VILE mean deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values. BASE stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness < base motives>. LOW may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety <refused to listen to such low talk>. VILE the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth <a vile remark>.