Basis
/ˈbeɪ.sɪs/noun
A foundation or underlying support; the starting point or main principle of something.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, basis could mean a step or pedestal, and that same root also gave English “pedal,” “pedestrian,” and “tripod” through the idea of feet and stepping.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷem-
“to step, go”
Ancient Greek
Greek
basis
“a step, a standing-place, pedestal”
Late Latin
Latin
basis
“base, pedestal”
Middle English
English
basis
“foundation, groundwork”
Modern English
English
basis
“foundation or underlying principle”
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