basis

/ˈbeɪsəs/

/ˈbeɪsɪs/

Basis is the underlying reason or assumption. The basis of a dictionary is that people are curious to learn the meanings of new words. You are interested, right?

Basis can also apply to a system or pattern that has been established. For example: Since your job is so exhausting, you need vacations on a regular basis. The basis of democracy is regular free elections. Not surprisingly, as its sense of something from which other things spring, basis comes from the Latin word of the same spelling meaning "foundation."

Definitions of basis

1. noun

   the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
   “the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture”

   synonyms: base, cornerstone, foundation, fundament, groundwork

   types:

   meat and potatoes

   the fundamental part

   type of:

   assumption, supposal, supposition

   a hypothesis that is taken for granted
2. noun

   a relation that provides the foundation for something
   “he worked on an interim basis”

   synonyms: footing, ground

   types:

   common ground

   a basis agreed to by all parties for reaching a mutual understanding

   type of:

   foundation

   the basis on which something is grounded
3. noun

   the most important or necessary part of something
   “the basis of this drink is orange juice”

   synonyms: base

   type of:

   component, component part, constituent, moiety, part, portion

   something determined in relation to something that includes it