Base
/beɪs/noun
The lowest or bottom part of something; a foundation or starting point.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek *basis*, meaning “a step” or “pedestal,” which is why so many English words tied to foundations, movement, and positions descend from the same root.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
βάσις (basis)
“a step; a pedestal; a standing place”
Late Latin
Lat
basis
“a base; foundation”
Old French
OF
base
“foundation; bottom part”
Middle English
Eng
base
“foundation; lowest part”
Modern English
Eng
base
“the lowest or bottom part of something; a foundation or starting point”
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