B2noun 2K

Basement

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

Definition

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

Listen to definition

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'.