What is base? Pronunciation and usage in English

base means . Learn how to pronounce and use base through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of base

basenoun

/beɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of base

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "base" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is "beɪs" (rhymes with "days" or "maze").

  • "be-" – This part sounds like the word "be" as in "I am." It’s a short, quick sound.
  • "-ys" – This is a diphthong, meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds blended together. It sounds like the “i” in “eye” but shorter and more clipped.

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "baze" – This is a very common mistake. It’s incorrect because it doesn’t match how native speakers say it.
  • "baaz" – Another common error, similar to "baze."

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the "be" sound first.
  • Don't add an extra "z" sound. That’s the key mistake.
  • Listen to native speakers. This is the best way to learn! Search for “how to pronounce base” on YouTube and listen to several examples.

Resources to listen:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a sentence using the word "base" so you can practice?

Usage and examples with the word base in English

Let's break down how to use the word "base" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As a Foundation/Ground:

  • Literal Meaning: The lowest supporting part of something.
    • "The base of the building is made of concrete."
    • "The base of the tree is wide and sturdy."
  • Figurative Meaning (Foundation): The fundamental principle or idea.
    • "Honesty is the base of a good relationship."
    • "His argument was built on a shaky base." (Meaning his argument lacked solid support)

2. As a Location:

  • A place where something is located: Think of a starting point or center.
    • "We moved our camp to a flatter base near the river."
    • "The factory is located on a strategic base in the country."
    • "Washington D.C. is the base of the U.S. government."

3. In Mathematics & Geometry:

  • A flat surface:
    • “The base of a triangle is the line segment on which the triangle rests.”
  • The bottom of a geometric shape:
    • "The base of a cylinder is a circle."

4. In Sports:

  • Baseball: The area where a batter stands.
    • "He hit a home run to base three." (meaning he advanced three bases)
  • Other Sports: Can sometimes refer to a starting position.
    • "The base camp is set up before the climb." (refers to a fixed location)

5. As a Verb (To Establish/Start):

  • To establish or set up: to start or begin something.
    • "We need to base our decision on facts, not rumors."
    • "The company will base its operations in Europe."

6. As a Verb (To Lie on):

  • To rest on something:
    • "I’ll base myself in Barcelona for the summer." (meaning to live there)
    • "She bases her work on research."

7. Slang/Informal (Often related to a hangout):

  • A place to hang out: (This is less common and more regional)
    • "Let's base at the beach today." (meaning let's spend the day at the beach)

8. Music - Chord Progression:

  • A fundamental chord in a progression: A chord that forms the basis of a song. (This is a more specialized usage)

Here’s a quick guide to help you remember which meaning is intended:

  • Foundation/Starting Point: Think of "foundation," "start," or "basis."
  • Location: Think of "place" or "site."
  • Sports: Think "baseball."
  • Establish/Set Up: Think "establish," “setup,” or “based on.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use the word "base" in? (e.g., writing a sentence, answering a question, understanding a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word base

Idioms of the word base

cover all the bases
to consider and deal with all the things that could happen or could be needed when you are arranging something
  • I am confident this contract covers all the bases.
not get to first base (with something/somebody)
(informal, especially North American English)to fail to make a successful start in a project, relationship, etc.; to fail to get through the first stage
    off base
    (North American English, informal)completely wrong about something
    • If that's what you think, you're way off base.
    touch base (with somebody)
    (informal)to make contact with somebody again

      Comment ()