rhizoverbBeta
Dictionarybasisunderlying foundation
noun

basis

BAY-sis/ˈbeɪsɪs/

A foundation on which a structure or calculation is built.

The broad stone slab forms the basis of the upright column.

A broad stone foundation slab visibly supports a short, upright stone column, making the underlying support the clear focus.
Etymology
basisGreekstep; stand; foundation

Greek basis could mean a step or the place where one stands. The image of a physical foundation became figurative: a basis is what a claim, explanation, or other immaterial thing rests on.

In context

IIEA4:30
it would be a new departure to say that article 122 could not be uh interpreted so as to ground and provide the basis for the efsm
Paul Gallagher SC on "A Referendum for the ESM?"

More examples

  • The cleaners are paid on an hourly basis.
  • The accountant checks the asset's basis before calculating the gain.
  • The vectors form a basis for the entire vector space.

Forms

basis · bases

Similar words

foundation
Emphasizes underlying support rather than a method or reference value.
premise
Specifically a proposition supporting an argument.