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Definition of basis noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

basis

noun
 OPAL WOPAL S
 
/ˈbeɪsɪs/
 
/ˈbeɪsɪs/
(plural bases
 
/ˈbeɪsiːz/
 
/ˈbeɪsiːz/
)
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  1.  
     [singular] on a … basis the way things are organized or arranged; how often something happens
    • We are in contact on a regular basis.
    • to be employed on a permanent/temporary/part-time basis
    • Fatal accidents occur on our roads on a daily basis.
    • on a day-to-day/weekly/monthly basis
    • Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
    • All members of the committee work on a voluntary basis.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • regular
    • annual
    • daily
    • …
    preposition
    • on a… basis
    See full entry
  2.  
     [singular] the reason why people take a particular action
    • on the basis of something She was chosen for the job on the basis of her qualifications.
    • We made our decision on the basis of the information we had.
    • on the basis that… Some movies have been banned on the basis that they are too violent.
    • On what basis will this decision be made?
    Synonyms reasonreasonexplanation ▪ grounds ▪ basis ▪ excuse ▪ motive ▪ justification ▪ pretextThese are all words for a cause or an explanation for something that has happened or that somebody has done.reason a cause or an explanation for something that has happened or that somebody has done; a fact that makes it right or fair to do something:
    • He said no but he didn’t give a reason.
    explanation a statement, fact or situation that tells you why something has happened; a reason given for something:
    • The most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed.
    • She left the room abruptly without explanation.
    grounds (rather formal) a good or true reason for saying, doing or believing something:
    • You have no grounds for complaint.
    basis (rather formal) the reason why people take a particular action:
    • On what basis will this decision be made?
    excuse a reason, either true or invented, that you give to explain or defend your behaviour; a good reason that you give for doing something that you want to do for other reasons:
    • Late again! What’s your excuse this time?
    • It gave me an excuse to take the car.
    motive a reason that explains somebody’s behaviour:
    • There seemed to be no motive for the murder.
    justification (rather formal) a good reason why something exists or is done:
    • I can see no possible justification for any further tax increases.
     grounds or justification?Justification is used to talk about finding or understanding reasons for actions, or trying to explain why it is a good idea to do something. It is often used with words like little, no, some, every, without, and not any. Grounds is used more for talking about reasons that already exist, or that have already been decided, for example by law: moral/​economic grounds.pretext (rather formal) a false reason that you give for doing something, usually something bad, in order to hide the real reason:
    • He left the party early on the pretext of having to work.
    Patterns
    • (a/​an) reason/​explanation/​grounds/​basis/​excuse/​motive/​justification/​pretext for something
    • the reason/​motive behind something
    • on the grounds/​basis/​pretext of/​that…
    • (a) good/​valid reason/​explanation/​grounds/​excuse/​motive/​justification
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • whole
    • consistent
    • factual
    • …
    preposition
    • on the basis of
    • basis for
    See full entry
  3.  
     [countable, usually singular, uncountable] the important facts, ideas or events that support something and that it can develop from
    • The basis of a good marriage is trust.
    • basis for something This article will form the basis for our discussion.
    • The initial talks were intended to provide a basis for negotiations.
    • as a/the basis for something These results will serve as a basis for more detailed research.
    • Their advice is used as a basis for decision-making.
    • basis in something The theory seems to have no basis in fact.
    Synonyms basisbasisfoundation ▪ baseThese are all words for the ideas or facts that something is based on.basis [usually sing.] a principle, an idea or a fact that supports something and that it can develop from:
    • This article will form the basis for our discussion.
    foundation [C, U] a principle, an idea or a fact that supports something and that it develops from:
    • Respect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage.
    • The rumour is totally without foundation (= is not based on any facts).
     basis or foundation?Foundation is often used to talk about larger or more important things than basis: He laid the foundations of Japan’s modern economy. • These figures formed the basis of their pay claim. base [usually sing.] an idea, a fact or a situation from which something is developed:
    • His arguments have a sound economic base.
    Patterns
    • a/​the basis/​foundation/​base for/​of something
    • a secure/​solid/​sound/​strong/​weak basis/​foundation/​base
    • to form the basis/​foundation/​base of something
    • to be without basis/​foundation
    Extra Examples
    • The proposal provides a sound basis for a book.
    • The whole basis for your argument is false.
    • These allegations have no basis in fact.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • firm
    • solid
    • sound
    • …
    verb + basis
    • form
    • provide
    preposition
    • basis for
    phrases
    • have no basis in something
    See full entry
    4. Word Originlate 16th cent. (denoting a base or pedestal): via Latin from Greek, ‘stepping’. Compare with the noun base.
See basis in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee basis in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
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