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Definitions

basis

[bey-sis] / ˈbeɪ sɪs /
NOUN
physical foundation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
base footing ground support
STRONG
bed bottom foot groundwork rest seat substructure
WEAK
resting place
Antonyms
STRONG
top
NOUN
foundation for belief, action
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assumption base essential evidence explanation footing fundamental justification premise principle proof reason security support theory
STRONG
antecedent authority axiom backbone background backing bedrock cause center core crux data dictum essence heart infrastructure keynote keystone law nexus nucleus postulate presumption presupposition root rudiment sanction source substratum theorem warrant
WEAK
chief ingredient hard fact principal element underpinning
Antonyms
STRONGEST
auxiliary fact reality trivia
STRONG
effect end exterior exteriority outside periphery result surface

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sales in Europe grew on both a nominal and comparable basis.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The two-year Treasury yield fell 2.3 basis points to 3.913%, while the 10-year yield was down 3 basis points at 4.385%.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

While the company narrowed its net loss to $3.6 million from $4.8 million on an as-reported basis, the company still is bleeding money.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

"It used to be quite a cheap night out, but we've seen that it's getting more and more expensive and it's just not something we feel we can keep doing on such a regular basis."

From BBC • May 5, 2026

I do not know when I will die, but there are tables which tell me what my life expectancy is and insurers will insure me on the basis of those tables.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing basis

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)

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"Democracy in America, Vol. 1" by Alexis de Tocqueville, Introduction–Chapter 5

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Words for Cheese Writers

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!