/ ˈbeɪsɪs; NAmE / noun ( pl. bases / ˈbeɪsiːz; NAmE /)
1.
[ sing. ] the reason why people take a particular action :
She was chosen for the job on the basis of her qualifications.
Some videos have been banned on the basis that they are too violent.
2.
[ sing. ] the way things are organized or arranged :
on a regular / permanent / part-time / temporary basis
on a daily / day-to-day / weekly basis
3.
[ C , usually sing. , U ] the important facts, ideas or events that support sth and that it can develop from :
The basis of a good marriage is trust.
This article will form the basis for our discussion.
The theory seems to have no basis in fact.
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SYNONYMS
basis
foundation ♦ base
These are all words for the ideas or facts that sth is based on.
basis
[usually sing.] a principle, an idea or a fact that supports sth and that it can develop from:
This article will form the basis for our discussion.
foundation
[usually sing.] a principle, an idea or a fact that supports sth and that it develops from:
Respect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage.
•
The rumour is totally without foundation (= is not based on any facts) .
basis or foundation?
Foundation is often used to talk about larger or more important things than basis :
He laid the foundation of Japan 's modern economy.
•
These figures formed the basis of their pay claim.
base
[usually sing.] an idea, a fact or a situation from which sth is developed:
His arguments have a sound economic base.
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
a/the basis / foundation / base for / of sth
a secure / solid / sound / strong / weak basis / foundation / base
to form the basis / foundation / base of sth
to give sb / provide (sb with) a/the basis / foundation / base
to threaten / undermine the basis / foundations of sth
to be without basis / foundation
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (denoting a base or pedestal): via Latin from Greek , stepping . Compare with the noun base .