plural noun
The main ideas, facts, or supports that something is built on.
The report gives the bases for the committee's decision.
The court listed the legal bases for its decision.
American English
How to pronounce bases
noun · verbB2Common word
BAYseez
/ˈbeɪ.siz/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of basis
Bases can be the plural of basis or base, and it is also a third-person singular form of the verb base.
The main ideas, facts, or supports that something is built on.
What to listen for
The plural “bases” is pronounced with stress on the first syllable: /ˈbeɪ.sɪz/. Keep the final syllable short and unstressed.
Meanings & examples
plural noun
The rules, systems, or schedules used to organize something or decide how it will be done.
The fees are calculated on different bases for different customers.
The two groups are paid on different bases.
plural noun
The lower parts or supports on which objects or structures rest.
The statues stand on wide stone bases.
The columns rest on broad concrete bases.
plural noun
The marked positions that runners reach in baseball.
The runner stole two bases in one inning.
The team had runners on all the bases.
Useful expressions
using something as the reason or evidence for a decision
They hired her on the basis of her experience.
regularly
I back up my files on a regular basis.
familiar enough to use each other's first names
Our manager is on a first-name basis with everyone.
Related words & forms
The plural is bases, not basis.