base
Definitions
The lowest part of something, on which it rests or stands
底部，底座；基础
A place from which an activity is organized; a headquarters or military post
基地，大本营
The main group or substance that something is built from
基础成分；主体（如 customer base 客户群）
To use something as the foundation or starting point for something else (base ... on)
以……为基础，把……建立在……之上
Morally low; dishonorable or contemptible (a separate, unrelated word)
卑劣的，可鄙的（来源不同的另一个词）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Greek básis (a step, a pedestal) = the bottom that holds everything up. As a noun, the foundation; as a verb, to rest one thing on another (base your argument on facts). Caution: the adjective base 'morally low' is a different word, from Latin bassus 'low' — same spelling, separate origin.
Root base still carries 5 more wordsWhy It Means This
Two words hide under one spelling. The common base — bottom, foundation, headquarters — comes from Greek básis. The rarer adjective base, meaning 'low and contemptible,' comes from Latin bassus ('low') and is unrelated, though both happen to involve the idea of 'low.' When you read 'base metal' or 'base motives,' that is the Latin word; everywhere else, it is the Greek foundation.
Common Collocations
- 1.base on以……为基础
- 2.military base军事基地
- 3.customer base客户群
- 4.knowledge base知识库
- 5.at the base of在……的底部
Example Sentences
- 1.
A heavy base keeps the lamp from tipping over.
- 2.
The company moved its base to Singapore.
- 3.
They based the film on a true story.
- 4.
He acted out of base, selfish motives.