Basis vs. Bases — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 7, 2023
"Basis" refers to the foundational or principal part of something, while "bases" is the plural of "base," meaning foundations or starting points.
Difference Between Basis and Bases
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Basis" and "bases" are words that, while related, serve distinct functions in the English language. "Basis" is a singular noun that denotes the fundamental principle or underlying reason for something. It refers to the main support or major part of an idea, argument, or point. On the other hand, "bases" represents the plural form of "base," which can mean the bottom or foundation of an object or the main component of something.
When someone mentions the "basis" for a decision, they are referring to the core reason or principle upon which that decision is grounded. In contrast, when referring to the "bases" of several statues, they are talking about the platforms or foundational parts upon which those statues stand.
In a mathematical context, "basis" can refer to a set of vectors in a vector space from which all vectors in that space can be produced. "Bases," in the context of chemistry, refers to substances that can accept protons and have a pH greater than 7 in aqueous solutions.
It's essential to use "basis" and "bases" correctly in speech and writing. While "basis" addresses the foundational support or rationale, "bases" deals with multiple foundational structures or substances, especially when discussing chemistry or referring to multiple foundations of objects.
Comparison Chart
Grammatical Number
Singular
Plural
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Meaning in General Usage
Underlying reason or foundation
Plural of foundation or starting points
Mathematical Context
Set of vectors in a vector space
Not commonly used in a mathematical context
Chemistry Context
Not specifically related to chemistry
Substances that can accept protons
Example of Usage
Basis for an argument
Bases of statues
Compare with Definitions
Basis
"Basis" is the fundamental principle or reason for something.
The basis for her argument was well-researched evidence.
Bases
"Bases" can refer to main ingredients or components.
Different sauces use different bases, such as tomato or cream.
Basis
"Basis" can refer to a standard or method of calculation.
The employees are paid on a monthly basis.
Bases
"Bases" in a military context refers to multiple installations or stations.
The country has several military bases overseas.
Basis
"Basis" is used to indicate a systematic or established arrangement.
The courses are designed on a modular basis.
Bases
"Bases" in baseball represents the four stations on the field.
The player managed to run all the bases and score a home run.
Basis
"Basis" refers to the main support or foundational part of something.
Trust is the basis of a strong relationship.
Bases
"Bases" is the plural of "base," which means foundational parts.
The artist sculpted the bases of the statues with intricate detail.
Basis
"Basis" can denote the point of departure or starting point.
His childhood experiences were the basis for his novel.
Bases
"Bases" in chemistry are substances that can accept protons.
Soap and baking soda are examples of bases in household items.
Basis
A fact or circumstance on which something is established
Rumors with no basis in reality.
Basis
A physical base or foundation.
Basis
A starting point, base or foundation for an argument or hypothesis.
Basis
An underlying condition or circumstance.
Basis
A regular frequency.
You should brush your teeth on a daily basis at minimum.
The flights to Fiji leave on a weekly basis.
Cars must be checked on a yearly basis.
Basis
The difference between the cash price a dealer pays to a farmer for his produce and an agreed reference price, which is usually the futures price at which the given crop is trading at a commodity exchange.
Basis
(linear algebra) In a vector space, a linearly independent set of vectors spanning the whole vector space.
Basis
(accounting) Amount paid for an investment, including commissions and other expenses.
Basis
(topology) A collection of subsets ("basis elements") of a set, such that this collection covers the set, and for any two basis elements which both contain an element of the set, there is a third basis element contained in the intersection of the first two, which also contains that element.
The collection of all possible unions of basis elements of a basis is said to be the topology generated by that basis.
Basis
The foundation of anything; that on which a thing rests.
Basis
The pedestal of a column, pillar, or statue.
If no basis bear my rising name.
Basis
The groundwork; the first or fundamental principle; that which supports.
The basis of public credit is good faith.
Basis
The principal component part of a thing.
Basis
A relation that provides the foundation for something;
They were on a friendly footing
He worked on an interim basis
Basis
The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained;
The whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
Basis
The most important or necessary part of something;
The basis of this drink is orange juice
Common Curiosities
How does the meaning of "bases" differ in general usage?
"Bases" is the plural of "base," referring to multiple foundations or starting points.
Can "basis" be used in a plural form?
Yes, the plural form of "basis" is "bases," but its meaning is different from the plural of "base."
How do you differentiate "bases" in a chemistry context?
In chemistry, "bases" refers to substances that can accept protons and have a pH greater than 7 in solutions.
What does "basis" typically refer to?
"Basis" typically refers to the foundational principle or reason for something.
Is "basis" related to chemistry?
While "bases" has a specific chemistry definition, "basis" does not have a specialized chemistry context.
Can "basis" denote a point of departure or starting point?
Yes, "basis" can refer to the point of departure or the primary source for something.
Are "basis" and "bases" interchangeable?
No, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
How is "basis" used in a mathematical context?
In math, "basis" can refer to a set of vectors in a vector space from which all vectors can be produced.
Can "bases" mean components or ingredients?
Yes, "bases" can refer to the main ingredients or components of something.
Is "bases" related to military contexts?
Yes, in a military context, "bases" can refer to multiple installations or stations.
What can "basis" refer to in terms of an argument?
"Basis" can denote the core reason, principle, or foundational support of an argument.
How is "bases" used in the context of baseball?
In baseball, "bases" refers to the four stations on the field players run around.
How is "basis" commonly used in business or payment contexts?
"Basis" can be used to indicate a method of calculation, like being paid on a "monthly basis."
Which word, "basis" or "bases," is singular?
"Basis" is singular, while "bases" can be the plural of "base" or a different meaning altogether.
How does "bases" relate to statues?
"Bases" can refer to the foundational parts or platforms of multiple statues.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
