base
gb/bˈeɪs/ us/bˈeɪs/
A2
English
~ 1100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
lowest part or foundation
The bottom part of something that supports it.
Usage pattern:
the base of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'base' (the bottom part) with 'basis' (the main idea or reason).
Synonyms
foundation (Implies a strong supporting structure, often in buildings or abstract concepts.)
Antonyms
top (The highest point, opposite of the lowest or supporting part.)
Collocations
base of the mountain
|military base
|solid base
|wooden base
|base plate
Themes
geometry
|construction
|daily life
|housing
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The lamp has a heavy base to keep it stable.
- They set up camp at the base of the mountain.
- The statue is fixed to a marble base.
- The base of the tower was reinforced with steel.
- The trophy sits on a wooden base.
Learner examples
- There is water at the base of the hill.
- The table has a metal base.
- We met at the base of the stairs.
- The tree's base is very wide.
Noun
B1
entity
2
place of operations
The main place where a group works or lives.
Usage pattern:
[organization] base in [place]
Synonyms
headquarters (More formal and usually refers to the central office of a company or organization.)
Antonyms
field (Refers to being away from the main place of operations.)
Collocations
home base
|military base
|operations base
|secret base
Themes
business
|military
|sports
|work
Examples
- The company's base is in London.
- The soldiers returned to their base after the mission.
- We will use this cabin as our base for hiking trips.
- The research team established a base near the river.
Learner examples
- The police have a base near here.
- Our team has a base in the city.
- The army built a new base in the desert.
Noun
B1
entity
3
main ingredient or starting point
The main part that something is made from.
Usage pattern:
[something] as a base for [something]
Synonyms
foundation (Used more figuratively to mean an underlying support or starting point for ideas or systems.)
Antonyms
additive (Something added to change or improve the main substance, not the starting point itself.)
Collocations
tomato base
|data base
|cream base
Themes
cooking
|science
|art
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This sauce uses cream as its base.
- Rice is the base of many Asian dishes.
- We used her research as a base for our project.
Learner examples
- Bread is the base for this sandwich.
- We use rice as a base for the meal.
- This paint has water as its base.
Verb
B1
action
4
use as foundation or starting point
To use something to start or build an idea, plan, or action.
Usage pattern:
to base [something] on [something]
Synonyms
found (Often used for creating institutions with a formal beginning.)
Antonyms
ignore (To act without using something as a starting point.)
Collocations
base decision on facts
|base design on tradition
Themes
planning
|business
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We will base our decision on the latest research.
- Her novel is based on real events.
- You should base your argument on solid evidence.
Learner examples
- We base our work on good ideas.
- He based his story on his life.
- I will base my choice on price.
Noun
B1
entity
5
station in baseball field
One of four points in baseball that players run to and touch to score.
Synonyms
bag (Informal slang term used by baseball players and fans.)
Collocations
first base
|steal a base
Themes
sports
Examples
- He slid into third base just in time.
- She hit the ball and ran to first base.
- The runner stole second base during the game.
Learner examples
- He ran to first base.
- I saw him on third base.
- She touched home base and scored.
Grammar
Dictionary form
base
IPA
GB/bˈeɪs/
US/bˈeɪs/
Syllables & stress
base (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (base)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: base
- Plural: bases
Verb
- Base: base
- 3rd Person Singular: bases
- Present Participle: basing
- Past: based
Word family
Expressions
first base (figurative)
1/fˈɚst bˈeɪs fˈɪɡjɚɪtɪv/
idiom
informal
first stage toward goal/relationship milestone
The first step towards reaching a goal, especially in sports, business, or relationships.
Examples
- In negotiations, we've only reached first base so far.
- They finally got to first base in their relationship.
home base
1/hˈoʊm bˈeɪs/
fixed phrase
main living or working place
The main place where someone lives or works from.
Examples
- This office is our home base in Europe.
- After traveling, I always like coming back to my home base.
touch base (with)
1/tˈʌt͡ʃ bˈeɪs wˈɪθ/
idiom
informal
briefly contact for update/info
To talk to someone quickly to share news or check details.
Examples
- Let's touch base next week about the project.
- I just wanted to touch base with you before the meeting.
on the basis of
1/ˈɔn ðə bˈeɪsɪs əv/
fixed phrase
because of; due to
Using something as the reason for a decision or action.
Examples
- The decision was made on the basis of new evidence.
- They hired her on the basis of her experience.
- He was chosen on the basis of his experience.