Base Meaning
Base Definition & Usage
The lowest or bottom part of something, often supporting or forming the foundation for other elements.
Examples
- "The base of the statue was cracked from years of exposure to the elements."
- "You need to reinforce the base of the shelf before stacking heavy books."
- "The mountain climbers reached the base camp after a long and exhausting trek."
- "The base of the building was designed to withstand earthquakes."
- "A solid base is essential for any structure to be stable."
A fundamental or primary element that serves as the starting point for calculations or processes in various scientific fields.
Examples
- "In logarithms, the base determines the scale of the calculation."
- "The scientist worked with a base of 10 for her calculations in the experiment."
- "In chemistry, acids and bases are often defined by their pH levels."
- "The base of an isosceles triangle is the side that is not equal in length to the other two."
- "The base of the DNA molecule consists of nucleotide pairs."
A place where military operations are conducted, or an installation where personnel and equipment are stationed.
Examples
- "The army established a base near the border to monitor enemy movements."
- "The air force base houses hundreds of fighter jets."
- "The military base was heavily guarded and had state-of-the-art surveillance systems."
- "She was deployed to a remote base overseas for her service."
- "The naval base is located on the coast to allow easy access to the sea."
The underlying support or foundation of a group or organization, often referring to a group of people who form the core or primary support of an entity.
Examples
- "The politician's base was loyal, despite the controversies surrounding his policies."
- "The company has a strong base of customers who trust its brand."
- "Social movements often grow from a small base of committed activists."
- "The team’s base of fans was instrumental in their success this season."
- "The organization expanded its base of supporters through social media outreach."
To establish or found something on a particular idea, principle, or location.
Examples
- "The company is based in New York but has offices around the world."
- "Her opinion is based on years of experience in the field."
- "He based his decision on the available data."
- "The novel is based on a true story of survival."
- "The project is based on the concept of sustainable development."
Cultural Context
The word 'base' has a broad usage across various domains, from physical structures to abstract concepts. Its origins in Latin 'basis' emphasize a foundation or support, which makes it versatile in many different fields of life.
The Base of Her Ambitions
Story
The Base of Her Ambitions
Clara had always been fascinated by the idea of building something from the ground up. Growing up in a small town, she watched as the local high school was expanded, with new sports fields and classrooms being added each year. But it wasn’t just the physical structures that intrigued her—it was how everything had to be based on something solid to stand the test of time. At the university, Clara chose architecture as her major, determined to make a difference. Her professor, Dr. Mitchell, often reminded the class that every great design had to be based on principles of stability and innovation. 'A building's base,' he said during one lecture, 'is not just the foundation. It’s the concept, the idea, the very core from which it grows.' She often thought of those words when working late on her projects. One day, Clara was invited to visit a large construction site. The team was working on a skyscraper that would eventually become the tallest building in the city. The site was bustling with activity, and Clara noticed that workers were focused on laying down the base. Every beam and pillar was placed with precision, forming the unshakable base upon which the future would rise. But as Clara approached the construction manager, she heard him talking about the project’s social base. The company had been careful to work with the local community, ensuring that the workers were from the neighborhood and the design incorporated local elements. 'The base of any successful project,' he explained, 'is trust.' Clara realized that 'base' was more than just a physical concept—it was about relationships, values, and vision. Later, Clara went on to base her own design philosophy on the lessons she'd learned. Her buildings would not just stand tall but would have solid foundations, both literal and metaphorical, supporting them from the ground up. Years later, Clara would be recognized not just for her innovative designs but for creating spaces that formed the base for new communities to thrive. Clara’s story illustrates the multiple meanings of 'base,' from the literal foundation of structures to the figurative base of relationships and community. It was a reminder that everything, whether a building or a career, needed a solid base to grow and flourish.
Related Words
