adjective
base
Dishonorable or morally contemptible.
The betrayal reveals his base motives.
Etymology
The older adjective means low. English carries that physical or social lowness into moral judgment, calling conduct base when it falls beneath accepted standards of honor.
More examples
- She refused to take part in such a base act.
- Their basest instincts surfaced during the dispute.
- He condemned the plan as cruel and base.
Forms
base · baser · basest
baseness noun — Moral dishonor or worthlessness.
Similar words
- vile
- Emphasizes extreme moral disgust.
- dishonorable
- Emphasizes conduct lacking honor or integrity.