Back to Report
base · noun C /beɪs/Full view
Nouns: base, basis, the basics
Adjectives: baseless, basic
Verbs: base
Adverbs: basically
base (BOTTOM)
B2 the bottom part of something, or the part something rests on
Dictionary examples:

a crystal glass with a heavy base

At the base of the cliff was a rocky beach.

base (MILITARY)
B2 a place where people in the armed forces live
Dictionary examples:

an American Air Force base

an old army/naval/military base

Learner example:

During the day you can visit all of our museums or schools or even the air force base, which is open from 9 o'clock. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

base (MAIN PLACE)
C2 the main place where a person lives and works, or from where they do things
Dictionary examples:

I spend a lot of time in Dallas, but Chicago is still my base.

Nice is an excellent base for exploring the French Riviera.

Learner example:

It also has a function as a base for the fishing industry. Being located [o]n the coast, our town's key industry is fishing. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Japanese)

base (MAIN PART)
C2 the most important part of something, from which other things can develop
Dictionary example:

a solid economic base

Learner example:

Other organisations have assured us regular funds so that our project stands on a firm financial base. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

base · verb /beɪs/
Nouns: base, basis, the basics
Adjectives: baseless, basic
Verbs: base
Adverbs: basically
be based at/in/etc.
B2 to have a particular town or area, etc. as the main place where you live and work, or where you do business from
Dictionary example:

He was based in Birmingham during the war.

Learner example:

The shop is based in London. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

base sth on sth
B1 If you base something on facts or ideas, you use those facts or ideas to develop it.
Dictionary example:

The film is based on a short story by Thomas Mann.

Learner example:

This is an exciting film based on the musical "The Phantom of the Opera". (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

Cambridge logo