βάση
Lemma: βάση
Translation: base; basis; foundation; ground; support; stand (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek βάσις (basis), derived from the verb βαίνω (baino) meaning 'to go, walk, step'. The word entered Latin as 'basis' and then into English as 'base' and 'basis', making it a direct cognate. The root concept relates to something you 'step on' or 'stand upon', which evolved into the metaphorical sense of foundation or fundamental principle. This same Greek root appears in English words like 'diabetes' (literally 'stepping through') and 'acrobat' ('walking on extremities').
Example Usage
Η εκπαίδευση είναι η βάση της κοινωνίας.
Education is the foundation of society.
Με βάση τα στοιχεία που έχουμε.
Based on the data we have.
Η βάση του αγάλματος είναι από μάρμαρο.
The base of the statue is made of marble.
Με βάση τα στοιχεία, η απόφαση είναι σωστή.
Based on the data, the decision is correct.
Χρειαζόμαστε μια καλή βάση για το τραπέζι.
We need a good base for the table.
Mnemonics
- Think 'basis' in English - almost identical meaning and sound
- Remember 'base' - the foundation something stands on
- Visualize a statue on its βάση (base)
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in both concrete and abstract contexts in Greek. Frequently appears in academic, technical, and everyday speech. Often used in phrases like 'με βάση' (based on) and 'στη βάση' (at the base of).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: βάσα is the imperative form of the verb βάζω (to put), while βάση is a noun meaning base or foundation
Confused word:
Βάσα το βιβλίο στο τραπέζι.
Put the book on the table.
Notes: Context usually makes the distinction clear - βάση is always a thing, βάσα is always a command
Mnemonic: βάση ends in -η (noun), βάσα ends in -α (verb command)