BASIS

Definition of BASIS

BASIS Noun

Basis is a noun that refers to the underlying support or foundation for an idea, argument, or structure, as well as the fundamental principles upon which something is established.

Foundation or Support: As a noun, basis denotes the fundamental support or groundwork for something. For example, “The proposal was built on a solid basis of research and data,” emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation in supporting a proposal or idea.

Underlying Principle: Basis can also refer to the underlying principle or reason for a decision or action. For instance, “The decision was made on the basis of fairness and equality,” indicates that the fundamental principles of fairness and equality guided the decision-making process.

Framework for Arguments: In discussions or arguments, basis refers to the framework or rationale that supports a claim or argument. For example, “The scientist presented his findings on the basis of extensive experimentation,” highlights how scientific arguments rely on a foundation of thorough research.

Standard or Criterion: Basis can describe a standard or criterion used for comparison or evaluation. For instance, “The awards were given on the basis of merit and performance,” shows that merit and performance served as the criteria for awarding distinctions.

Fundamental Facts or Evidence: Basis may refer to the fundamental facts, evidence, or information that underpin a theory or belief. For example, “The historical account was written on the basis of primary sources and eyewitness testimonies,” demonstrates the reliance on foundational evidence in historical writing.

Legal or Contractual Foundation: In legal and contractual contexts, basis denotes the fundamental terms or conditions that form the foundation of an agreement. For instance, “The contract was drafted on the basis of mutual consent and legal requirements,” indicates the foundational elements of a legal document.

Principle for Operations: Basis can describe the principles or methods upon which operations or activities are conducted. For example, “The company operates on the basis of ethical business practices,” highlights the core principles guiding organizational operations.

Regular or Routine Foundation: Basis may also refer to a regular or routine foundation for actions or procedures. For example, “The meetings are held on a weekly basis,” emphasizes the regularity and routine that form the foundation of a schedule.

Basis is a noun that signifies the fundamental support, foundation, or principles underlying an idea, argument, structure, or process. Whether referring to foundational support, underlying principles, or standard criteria, understanding basis underscores its role in providing the essential groundwork for various aspects of decision-making, operations, and evaluations.

Examples of BASIS in a sentence

  • The basis of their argument was flawed from the start.
  • His decision was made on the basis of new evidence.
  • Trust is the basis of any strong relationship.
  • The company’s success is built on a solid basis of innovation.
  • The basis for her theory lies in years of research.
  • Regular exercise forms the basis of a healthy lifestyle.
  • The basis of the contract was mutual understanding.
  • His complaints had no real basis in fact.

Origin of BASIS

Basis traces its origins to the Greek word βάσις (basis), meaning “base” or “foundation,” which was adopted into Latin as basis (foundation, support). The term evolved through Old French and Middle English to describe the underlying support or fundamental principle upon which something is built.

  • Greek: βάσις (basis, support), from βαίνειν (baínein, to step, to go), indicating a foundational support.
  • Latin: Basis (foundation, support), directly adopted from Greek.
  • Latin: Basis referred to a foundation or support, often used in both physical and figurative senses.
  • Old French: The term became base (foundation, support), reflecting its Latin origin.
  • Middle English: Basis continued to denote a foundational support or underlying principle.

In contemporary English, basis refers to the underlying support or fundamental principle upon which something is established. The term has retained its core meaning of foundational support from its Greek and Latin origins, expanding to describe the core or fundamental element of various contexts, including arguments, systems, and structures.

Synonyms

  • Foundation
  • Base
  • Groundwork
  • Core
  • Underpinning
  • Premise
  • Framework
  • Starting point

Antonyms

  • Surface
  • Superstructure
  • Result
  • Outcome
  • Consequence
  • Byproduct
  • Top layer
  • Finish

Related

  • Principle
  • Fundamental
  • Reference
  • Support
  • Ground
  • Core concept
  • Essential
  • Root

🌐 🇬🇧 BASIS in other languages

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