Base vs. Basis
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 28, 2023
"Base" refers to the bottom or foundation of something, while "Basis" means the fundamental principle or groundwork supporting an idea or system.
Key Differences
Conclusively, while both "Base" and "Basis" deal with foundations, "Base" is more tangible and "Basis" more conceptual, serving as a premise or rationale behind something.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
When considering the word "Base," it can also signify a main ingredient in preparations like makeup or even a primary element in various contexts. On the other hand, "Basis" leans more towards the abstract, referring often to foundational truths or reasons. For instance, a decision might be made on the basis of certain evidence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
"Base" often alludes to the bottom part or foundation of a physical structure or object. A mountain has a base, as does a building. Conversely, "Basis" typically speaks to a foundational principle, reason, or groundwork. It's an underpinning for arguments, decisions, or systems.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
"Base" and "Basis" are two words in the English language that, while related, have distinct uses and meanings. Their nuanced differences can be seen in the various contexts they are applied to.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
In mathematics, "Base" might be used to refer to the number that gets multiplied by itself, as in exponents. "Basis," in contrast, can be employed in linear algebra, describing a set of vectors.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
The bottom or foundation of something.
The fundamental principle or groundwork.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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Common Usage
Refers to physical foundations or main ingredients.
Used to describe the main reason or principle behind something.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
In Mathematics
The number used in exponentiation.
Set of vectors in linear algebra.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Conceptual vs. Physical
More physical or tangible.
More conceptual or abstract.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Base and Basis Definitions
Base
The bottom support of anything.
The vase has a wide base to prevent tipping.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Basis
The fundamental principle or groundwork.
Respect is the basis of our relationship.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
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Base
A center of operations or activities.
The army set up a base in the desert.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Base
In mathematics, the number used as the repeated factor.
In 2^3, 2 is the base.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Basis
The underlying condition or state.
A daily basis involves routine tasks.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
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Basis
A fact or circumstance on which something is established
Rumors with no basis in reality.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The part of a plant or animal organ that is nearest to its point of attachment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A supporting part or layer; a foundation
A skyscraper built on a base of solid rock.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A basic or underlying element; infrastructure
The nation's industrial base.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
A regular frequency.
You should brush your teeth on a daily basis at minimum.
The flights to Fiji leave on a weekly basis.
Cars must be checked on a yearly basis.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The fundamental principle or underlying concept of a system or theory; a basis.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
The difference between the cash price a dealer pays to a farmer for his produce and an agreed reference price, which is usually the futures price at which the given crop is trading at a commodity exchange.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
(linear algebra) In a vector space, a linearly independent set of vectors spanning the whole vector space.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The fact, observation, or premise from which a reasoning process is begun.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
(accounting) Amount paid for an investment, including commissions and other expenses.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
(topology) A collection of subsets ("basis elements") of a set, such that this collection covers the set, and for any two basis elements which both contain an element of the set, there is a third basis element contained in the intersection of the first two, which also contains that element.
The collection of all possible unions of basis elements of a basis is said to be the topology generated by that basis.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(Baseball) Any one of the four corners of an infield, marked by a bag or plate, that must be touched by a runner before a run can be scored.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
The pedestal of a column, pillar, or statue.
If no basis bear my rising name.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The portion of a social organization, especially a political party, consisting of the most dedicated or motivated members.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
The groundwork; the first or fundamental principle; that which supports.
The basis of public credit is good faith.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
A relation that provides the foundation for something;
They were on a friendly footing
He worked on an interim basis
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A facial cosmetic used to even out the complexion or provide a surface for other makeup; a foundation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained;
The whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(Architecture) The lowest part of a structure, such as a wall, considered as a separate unit
The base of a column.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
The most important or necessary part of something;
The basis of this drink is orange juice
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Basis
In linear algebra, a set of vectors from which others can be generated.
He studied the basis of the vector space in class.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Base
(Linguistics) A morpheme or morphemes regarded as a form to which affixes or other bases may be added.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The side or face of a geometric figure to which an altitude is or is thought to be drawn.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The number that is raised to various powers to generate the principal counting units of a number system. The base of the decimal system, for example, is 10.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The number raised to the logarithm of a designated number in order to produce that designated number; the number at which a chosen logarithmic scale has the value 1.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Any of a class of compounds whose aqueous solutions are characterized by a bitter taste, a slippery feel, the ability to turn litmus blue, and the ability to react with acids to form salts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A substance that can donate a pair of electrons to form a covalent bond.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
One of the nitrogen-containing purines (adenine and guanine) or pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil) that occurs attached to the sugar component of DNA or RNA.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Situated at or near the base or bottom
A base camp for the mountain climbers.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Having or showing a lack of decency; contemptible, mean-spirited, or selfish.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
To find a basis for; establish
Based her conclusions on the report.
A film based on a best-selling novel.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(cosmetics) Foundation: a cosmetic cream to make the face appear uniform.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(chemistry) Any of a class of generally water-soluble compounds, having bitter taste, that turn red litmus blue, and react with acids to form salts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(baseball) One of the four places that a runner can stand without being subject to being tagged out when the ball is in play.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(architecture) The lowermost part of a column, between the shaft and the pedestal or pavement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(botany) The end of a leaf, petal or similar organ where it is attached to its support.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(electronics) The name of the controlling terminal of a bipolar transistor (BJT).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(geometry) The lowest side of a triangle or other polygon, or the lowest face of a cone, pyramid or other polyhedron laid flat.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(mathematics) A number raised to the power of an exponent.
The logarithm to base 2 of 8 is 3.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(topology) A topological space, looked at in relation to one of its covering spaces, fibrations, or bundles.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(group theory) A sequence of elements not jointly stabilized by any nontrivial group element.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
In hand-to-hand balance, the person who supports the flyer; the person that remains in contact with the ground.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(linguistics) A morpheme (or morphemes) that serves as a basic foundation on which affixes can be attached.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A kind of skirt (often of velvet or brocade, but sometimes of mail or other armour) which hung from the middle to about the knees, or lower.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A line in a survey which, being accurately determined in length and position, serves as the origin from which to compute the distances and positions of any points or objects connected with it by a system of triangles.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(politics) A group of voters who almost always support a single party's candidates for elected office.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(Marxism) The forces and relations of production that produce the necessities and amenities of life.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(transitive) To give as its foundation or starting point; to lay the foundation of.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(legal) Not held by honourable service.
A base estate is one held by services not honourable, or held by villenage. Such a tenure is called base, or low, and the tenant is a base tenant.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Of little, or less than the usual, height; of low growth; as, base shrubs.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Of little comparative value, as metal inferior to gold and silver, the precious metals.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Morally low. Hence: Low-minded; unworthy; without dignity of sentiment; ignoble; mean; illiberal; menial; as, a base fellow; base motives; base occupations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Not held by honorable service; as, a base estate, one held by services not honorable; held by villenage. Such a tenure is called base, or low, and the tenant, a base tenant.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The bottom of anything, considered as its support, or that on which something rests for support; the foundation; as, the base of a statue.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Fig.: The fundamental or essential part of a thing; the essential principle; a groundwork.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The lower part of a wall, pier, or column, when treated as a separate feature, usually in projection, or especially ornamented.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
That extremity of a leaf, fruit, etc., at which it is attached to its support.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The positive, or non-acid component of a salt; a substance which, combined with an acid, neutralizes the latter and forms a salt; - applied also to the hydroxides of the positive elements or radicals, and to certain organic bodies resembling them in their property of forming salts with acids.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The exterior side of the polygon, or that imaginary line which connects the salient angles of two adjacent bastions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The line or surface constituting that part of a figure on which it is supposed to stand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The number from which a mathematical table is constructed; as, the base of a system of logarithms.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A low, or deep, sound. (Mus.) (a) The lowest part; the deepest male voice. (b) One who sings, or the instrument which plays, base.
The trebles squeak for fear, the bases roar.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A place or tract of country, protected by fortifications, or by natural advantages, from which the operations of an army proceed, forward movements are made, supplies are furnished, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
That part of an organ by which it is attached to another more central organ.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A kind of skirt (often of velvet or brocade, but sometimes of mailed armor) which hung from the middle to about the knees, or lower.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The point or line from which a start is made; a starting place or a goal in various games.
To their appointed base they went.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A line in a survey which, being accurately determined in length and position, serves as the origin from which to compute the distances and positions of any points or objects connected with it by a system of triangles.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
To put on a base or basis; to lay the foundation of; to found, as an argument or conclusion; - used with on or upon.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Any of various water-soluble compounds capable of turning litmus blue and reacting with an acid to form a salt and water;
Bases include oxides and hydroxides of metals and ammonia
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Installation from which a military force initiates operations;
The attack wiped out our forward bases
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Lowest support of a structure;
It was built on a base of solid rock
He stood at the foot of the tower
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Place that runner must touch before scoring;
He scrambled to get back to the bag
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(numeration system) the positive integer that is equivalent to one in the next higher counting place;
10 is the radix of the decimal system
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(anatomy) the part of an organ nearest its point of attachment;
The base of the skull
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained;
The whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The bottom side of a geometric figure from which the altitude can be constructed;
The base of the triangle
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The most important or necessary part of something;
The basis of this drink is orange juice
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
An intensely anti-western terrorist network that dispenses money and logistical support and training to a wide variety of radical Islamic terrorist group; has cells in more than 50 countries
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed;
Thematic vowels are part of the stem
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The stock of basic facilities and capital equipment needed for the functioning of a country or area;
The industrial base of Japan
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
The principal ingredient of a mixture;
Glycerinated gelatin is used as a base for many ointments
He told the painter that he wanted a yellow base with just a hint of green
Everything she cooked seemed to have rice as the base
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
A flat bottom on which something is intended to sit;
A tub should sit on its own base
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(electronics) the part of a transistor that separates the emitter from the collector
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Serving as or forming a base;
The painter applied a base coat followed by two finishing coats
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
(used of metals) consisting of or alloyed with inferior metal;
Base coins of aluminum
A base metal
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this sense);
Baseborn wretches with dirty faces
Of humble (or lowly) birth
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Not adhering to ethical or moral principles;
Base and unpatriotic motives
A base, degrading way of life
Cheating is dishonorable
They considered colonialism immoral
Unethical practices in handling public funds
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Having or showing an ignoble lack of honor or morality;
That liberal obedience without which your army would be a base rabble
Taking a mean advantage
Chok'd with ambition of the meaner sort
Something essentially vulgar and meanspirited in politics
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2022
Base
Starting point or foundation for something.
We made the treehouse's base from strong oak.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
FAQs
Is "Basis" typically tangible or intangible?
"Basis" is more often intangible, referring to concepts or reasons.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Base" have a mathematical meaning?
Yes, as in the number used in exponentiation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Base" refer to a location?
Yes, such as a military base or home base in baseball.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Base" indicate the main part of something?
Yes, like the base model of a car.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Base" mean low or inferior?
In some contexts, "base" can mean morally low.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Basis" be a set in mathematics?
Yes, especially in linear algebra to describe vectors.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Is a "Base" always the bottom part?
Typically, but it can also mean the main or starting part.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Base" be used in cooking contexts?
Yes, as in "tomato is the base for the sauce."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does "Basis" imply a foundational reason?
Yes, it often refers to the main reason or principle.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
How is "Base" used in chemistry?
It refers to substances that can accept protons or donate pairs of electrons.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is "Basis" used in legal contexts?
Yes, to describe the main reason or grounds for something.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Base" and "Basis" be used interchangeably?
Not always, as they have distinct nuances and applications.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
How do "basis of" and "base for" differ?
"Basis of" usually implies a reasoning, while "base for" is often more tangible.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
