Definition

1. Noun:
   • The most important or necessary part of something; the foundation or support upon which something is built or established. It refers to the fundamental principle, fact, or component that underlies a system, argument, or relationship.
   • A system or method for doing or organizing something. It indicates the way in which an activity or process is arranged or carried out.
   • A starting point for reasoning or discussion. It refers to the fundamental assumptions or facts from which something begins.

Examples of Usage

• As the fundamental part or foundation:

  • Trust is the basis of a strong relationship.
  • The basis of her argument was solid scientific evidence.
  • The report provided a factual basis for the new policy.

• As a system or method:

  • Employees are paid on an hourly basis.
  • The meetings are held on a regular basis (e.g., weekly or monthly).
  • He was hired on a temporary basis.

Advanced Usage

• "On the basis of": Used to indicate the reason, grounds, or criteria for a decision or action.

  • She was chosen for the job on the basis of her experience and skills.
  • Decisions should be made on the basis of facts, not emotions.

• "Form the basis for": To serve as the foundation or starting point for something.

  • This early research formed the basis for all future studies in the field.

Variants and Related Words

• Basic (adj): Forming or relating to the most important part or foundation of something.
  • She has a basic understanding of the rules.
• Base (n): The bottom support of anything; that on which a thing stands or rests. (Note: While related, "base" often refers to a physical foundation, whereas "basis" is more abstract.)
  • The lamp has a heavy base.

Synonyms

• Foundation: The basis or groundwork of anything.
• Grounds: The foundation or basis for a belief, action, or argument.
• Principle: A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

Related Phrases

• On a daily/weekly/monthly basis: Regularly, happening every day/week/month.
  • The data is updated on a daily basis.
• On a case-by-case basis: Considering each situation individually with its own specific circumstances.
  • Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Noun

1. the most important or necessary part of something
   • the basis of this drink is orange juice
2. the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
   • the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
3. a relation that provides the foundation for something
   • they were on a friendly footing
   • he worked on an interim basis