Basis
Definitions
- 1. The underlying support or foundation for an idea, argument, or process.
- 2. A fundamental principle or standard on which something is built or established.
- 3. A starting point or foundation for action, belief, or activity.
- 4. In mathematics, a set of vectors that defines a vector space.
Usage Examples
- "The research was conducted on the basis of scientific evidence."
- "We need a solid basis for our argument before presenting it to the committee."
- "The company operates on a profit-sharing basis."
Etymology
Originates from Latin "basis," meaning "foundation" or "pedestal," derived from Greek "βάσις" (basis), which refers to a base or foundation.
Synonyms
- Foundation
- Groundwork
- Base
- Cornerstone
- Root
Antonyms
- Superstructure
- Surface
- Top
Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
Spanish |
Base |
/ˈba.se/ |
French |
Base |
/bɑz/ |
German |
Basis |
/ˈbaːzɪs/ |
Italian |
Base |
/ˈbaːze/ |
Portuguese |
Base |
/ˈba.zi/ |
Russian |
Основa |
/ɐsˈnɔvə/ |
Chinese (Mandarin) |
基础 |
/jīchǔ/ |
Japanese |
基礎 |
/kiso/ |
Korean |
기초 |
/gicho/ |
Arabic |
أساس |
/ʔasaːs/ |
Hindi |
आधार |
/ādhār/ |
Bengali |
ভিত্তি |
/bhitti/ |
Telugu |
మూలం |
/mūḷaṁ/ |
Tamil |
அடித்தளம் |
/aṭittaḷam/ |
Gujarati |
મૂળ |
/mūḷ/ |
Marathi |
आधार |
/ādhār/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In American English, the stress is placed on the first syllable: "BAY-sis."
- In British English, the pronunciation tends to be more balanced: "BAY-sis."
- In certain regions of India, the word "basis" might be pronounced with more emphasis on the second syllable.
Historical Usage
The term "basis" has been in use since the early 17th century, derived from Latin and Greek, where it originally referred to a foundation or pedestal. Its meaning expanded over time to encompass the foundation of arguments, ideas, and even mathematical structures.
Cultural Nuances
In various cultures, the concept of "basis" plays an important role in the development of philosophies, sciences, and social structures. For example, the idea of "moral basis" in many societies refers to the fundamental ethical principles upon which laws and traditions are built.
More Information
The concept of "basis" is foundational across many disciplines, including philosophy, science, mathematics, and economics. In mathematics, it refers to a set of independent vectors that span a vector space, essential for understanding the structure of linear spaces. In philosophy, it is the underlying truth or principle upon which knowledge, argument, or belief systems are founded. Understanding the basis of any system is critical to analyzing its stability and functionality.