basis

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a relation that provides the foundation for something
  2. noun the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
  3. noun the most important or necessary part of something

Etymology

From Latin basis, from Ancient Greek βάσις (básis), from Proto-Indo-European *gʷémtis, derived from Proto-Indo-European *gʷem- (whence also come). Doublet of base.

In classic literature

Synonyms

footing, ground

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