Based: meaning, definitions and examples

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based

 

[ beɪst ]

Adjective / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

on which something is established

Having a strong foundation or support on which something is established or developed.

Synonyms

established, founded, grounded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
based

Used to describe the location or main center of activities for a person, company, or organization.

  • The company is based in New York.
  • He is based at the headquarters in London.
founded

Used when talking about starting a new organization, company, or city from the beginning.

  • The charity was founded in 1990.
  • He founded the tech startup last year.
established

Used to describe something that has been in existence for a long time and is recognized and accepted.

  • The restaurant is well-established in the community.
  • They have an established reputation for quality.
grounded

Used to describe someone who is sensible and practical, or something that is based on solid ideas or knowledge.

  • She is a very grounded person despite her fame.
  • His advice is grounded in years of experience.

Examples of usage

  • The decision was based on thorough research.
  • Her argument was based on facts and evidence.
  • The company's success was based on innovative ideas.
Context #2 | Verb

to use as a foundation for

To use something as a foundation or starting point for something else.

Synonyms

build on, derive from, rely on.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
based

This term is commonly used to indicate the foundation or main idea behind something. It's suitable for neutral or positive contexts.

  • Her story is based on true events.
  • The decision was based on extensive research.
build on

This term is used when you want to talk about adding to or improving something that already exists. It's often used in a constructive or developmental context.

  • We plan to build on our previous work to make it better.
  • The new policies will build on the successes of the current administration.
rely on

This phrase is used to indicate dependence or trust in someone or something. It implies a sense of dependency, which could be positive or negative.

  • You can always rely on her for support.
  • We rely on the correct data to make informed decisions.
derive from

This phrase is used when something originates or comes from another source. It is often used in academic or formal contexts.

  • The word 'chocolate' derives from the Aztec language.
  • His idea derives from many years of research.

Examples of usage

  • The film is based on a true story.
  • The novel is based on historical events.
  • The project is based on the latest technology.

Translations

Translations of the word "based" in other languages:

🇵🇹 baseado

🇮🇳 आधारित

🇩🇪 basiert

🇮🇩 berdasarkan

🇺🇦 на основі

🇵🇱 oparty

🇯🇵 基づいている

🇫🇷 basé

🇪🇸 basado

🇹🇷 dayalı

🇰🇷 기반한

🇸🇦 مبني

🇨🇿 založený

🇸🇰 založený

🇨🇳 基于

🇸🇮 temelji

🇮🇸 byggt á

🇰🇿 негізделген

🇬🇪 დაფუძნებული

🇦🇿 əsaslanmış

🇲🇽 basado

Etymology

The word 'based' originated from the Old French term 'baser' which meant 'to lower'. Over time, the meaning shifted to 'to establish something as a foundation'. In modern usage, 'based' is commonly used in both adjective and verb forms to indicate a strong foundation or reliance on something.

See also: abase, base, baseball, baseless, baselessly, basement, basic, basin, basis, debase, debased, debasement.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #223, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.