B2noun2K

Basement

UK /["/ˈbeɪsmənt/"]/US /["/ˈbeɪsmənt/"]/

Definition

a room or rooms in a building, partly or completely below the level of the ground

In simple words: The lowest part of a building, often underground.

Examples

  • Kitchen goods are sold in the basement.
  • a **basement flat/apartment**
  • She lives in a two-room basement flat.

Usage notes

Use 'basement' to refer to the lowest floor of a building. It is common in American English. In British English, the term 'cellar' is often used. Not typically used in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'base' + 'meant' — the base of the house is where important things are kept.

Collocations

  • dark
  • unlit
  • windowless
  • apartment
  • bar
  • flat
  • in a/​the basement

Synonyms

  • cellar
  • underground room
  • lower level

Antonyms

  • attic
  • roof

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'attic', which is the space under the roof.
  • Using 'basement' to refer to any lower level, including crawlspaces.
  • Incorrectly pronunciation like 'base-ment' instead of 'bay-smint'.