Words / B1

BAYS-is/ˈbeɪsɪs/

A basis is the main reason or starting point: on the basis of the evidence; a scientific basis. A reason answers “why”; a foundation is more physical or structural. On a daily / regular / part-time basis is a set time phrase. The plural is bases (say BAY-seez). Basic is the adjective and a different word: basic skills.

Meaning

The main idea, reason, or starting point that something is built on.

Examples

• “We made the decision on the basis of the evidence.”
• “We hired her on the basis of her experience.”
• “The club meets on a weekly basis.”

Good to know

on the basis of. on a daily / regular basis. Plural: bases. Adjective nearby: basic.

Near in meaning

foundation

New