basis
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of BASIS
1
:
something (such as an idea or set of ideas) from which another thing develops or can develop
[count]
— usually singular
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This principle forms the basis [=base, foundation] of the country's economic policies and will provide a firm basis for future development.
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The actor's letters form the basis of the biography. [=the biography is based on the actor's letters; the most important information in the biography comes from the actor's letters]
[noncount]
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These stories have very little basis [=foundation] in fact/reality. [=these stories are not based on or supported by facts/reality]
2
[noncount]
:
a reason for doing something
-
The judge ruled that there is no legal basis [=ground] for a new trial.
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The latest news at least provides some basis for hope. [=some reason to hope]
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On what basis were the students chosen/selected? [=how were the students chosen/selected?; what was considered when the students were chosen/selected?]
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Students were chosen/selected on the basis of [=according to] their grades and test scores.
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Our decisions are made on the basis of the available information. [=we base our decisions on the available information]
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The company does not hire employees on the basis of their race, sex, age, or religion.
3
[singular]
a
:
a fixed pattern or system for doing something
— used with on
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He visits his grandmother on a regular basis. [=regularly]
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The company changes its Web site on a daily/weekly basis. [=every day/week]
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changes that occur on an hourly basis
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They hired her on a trial/temporary basis.
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People are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. [=the people who arrive first are given seats first]
b
— used to describe the way people act with each other
—
see also on a first-name basis at first name
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The two golfers still compete on a friendly basis. [=in a friendly way]
