A2adjective1K

Based

UK /["/beɪst/"]/US /["/beɪst/"]/

Definition

if one thing is based on another, it uses it or is developed from it

In simple words: To use something as a starting point or foundation.

Examples

  • The movie is based on a real-life incident.
  • The report is based on figures from six different European cities.
  • The novels are all **loosely based** on the author's life.
  • Their research was **based largely** on anecdotal evidence.
  • We're based in Chicago.
  • a Chicago-based company
  • lead-based paints
  • a class-based society

Usage notes

Commonly used to indicate the foundation of an idea or project. Usually appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid in very informal situations.

Grammar pattern

based + on + object

Memory hint

Think of 'base' like the foundation of a building — everything else is built on it.

Collocations

  • based on facts
  • based in reality
  • based in science
  • theory based on
  • based in history

Synonyms

  • founded
  • established
  • rooted
  • derived
  • anchored

Antonyms

  • unrelated
  • disconnected
  • independent

Common mistakes

  • 'Based of' is incorrect; it should be 'based on'.
  • Using 'base' as a verb instead of 'based'.
  • Confusing the meaning with 'basis', which is a noun.