Basis Means a Step You Stand On
A basis is a foundation. The Greek word means a step or a pedestal, and its plural bases is often confused with the plural of base.
A basis is the foundation on which something rests. The Greek *basis* meant a step, a stepping or a pedestal, from *bainein*, to walk — the base of a column was the step it stood on. English inherited an awkward plural: *bases* serves both *basis* and *base*, and only the pronunciation separates them.
- A foundation. *The basis of the argument.*
- A regular arrangement. *On a weekly basis.*
- Bases — the plural. *On several bases.*
- Basic — fundamental. *Basic principles.*
- Baseless — without foundation. *A baseless claim.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | basis | A firm basis. |
| Plural | bases | On these bases. |
| Adjective | basic | Basic training. |
| Related | base | The base of the column. |
| Greek | bainein | To walk. |
- There is no basis for the accusation.Foundation.
- Meetings are held on a monthly basis.Often criticised as wordy for monthly.
- The two bases of the theory.The plural of basis.
On a regular basis, or just regularly?
- On a weekly basis — five words where *weekly* is one
- Editors often cut it, and the meaning survives intact
- It survives because it sounds official
- Useful exception — when contrasting arrangements: on a permanent rather than a temporary basis
- Otherwise the adverb is almost always better
Greek *basis*, a step or pedestal, from *bainein*, to walk or step. English took it through Latin in the 1500s.
What is the plural of basis?
Bases, pronounced BAY-seez. The plural of base is also bases, but pronounced BAY-siz.
Should I write on a daily basis?
Usually just write daily. The longer phrase earns its place only when you are contrasting different arrangements.