basis

Everyday

1. The main idea, fact or thing that something is built on or starts from. tree →
2. The way or how often something is done (on a daily basis = every day). tree →
3. A reason for an opinion or decision (no basis for the rumour). tree →

In the lessons

Formal and exam language: «on the basis of the results», «on a weekly basis». In science: the basis of a theory is the evidence. Phrases: on a regular basis, form the basis of, first-come first-served basis.

Examples

• Bread is the basis of many meals. tree →
• We meet on a weekly basis. tree →
• On the basis of the evidence, the detective chose a suspect. tree →
• There is no basis for that rumour. tree →
• The story was the basis for a famous film. tree →
• Places are given on a first-come, first-served basis. tree →
• Kindness is the basis of a good friendship. tree →
• This appears to be a somewhat insufficient basis for such a conclusion. tree →

Note

Plural «bases» is said BAY-seez; the plural of «base» is also «bases» but said BAY-siz. «On a daily basis» just means daily; simpler words are often better. In maths, «on a weekly basis» tells you to count once per week.

In Jewish tradition

In Sefer Yetzirah, the foundation on which things rest. The three mother letters rest on the balance, and creation is shown as a pyramid with a broad base.

Interpretation. The mother letters Aleph, Mem and Shin are read as the base from which the elements and everything else grow. The balance stands between the pans of merit and guilt.

Examples

• The three fundamental letters א״מ״ש have as their basis the balance. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• The three fundamental letters א"מ"ש have as their basis the balance. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• The whole creation is thus contemplated as a pyramid, terminating in a point at the top with a broad basis. [See Dr. Graetz's Gnosticismus, p. 224.] (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Plural «bases» is said BAY-seez; the plural of «base» is also «bases» but said BAY-siz. «On a daily basis» just means daily; simpler words are often better. In maths, «on a weekly basis» tells you to count once per week.