ba|sis

ba|sis «BAY sihs», noun, plural ba|ses.

1. the part on which anything stands for essential support; fundamental principle; foundation: »

The basis of their friendship was a common interest in sports. We judge a worker on the basis of his performance.

SYNONYM(S): support. See also syn. under base ¹. (Cf. ↑base)

2. the main part; base: »

The basis of his business is making watches but he also sells jewelry. The money he got from his father was the basis for a new business.

SYNONYM(S): groundwork, footing.

3. the principal ingredient: »

The basis of this medicine is an oil.

╂[< Latin basis < Greek básis thing to step or stand on < baínein to go, step. See etym. of doublet base ¹. (Cf. ↑base)]

Usage The plural of basis is pronounced bā´sēz, while base takes a regular -s plural: bā´siz.