base
Lemma: base
Translation: base; foundation; basis; groundwork; pedestal (noun)
Etymology: From Latin 'basis' meaning 'foundation', which came from Greek 'βάσις' (basis) meaning 'step, pedestal'. The English word 'base' shares the same Latin origin, making it a direct cognate. The concept of something that supports or forms the bottom part of a structure is preserved in both languages.
Example Usage
La educación es la base del desarrollo.
Education is the foundation of development.
Construyeron la casa sobre una base sólida.
They built the house on a solid foundation.
Esta teoría tiene una base científica.
This theory has a scientific basis.
Estados Unidos tiene una base militar en ese país.
The United States has a military base in that country.
Mnemonics
- It's spelled and pronounced almost identically to the English word 'base'
- Think of a baseball 'base' as the foundation for scoring runs
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish, 'base' is used in many contexts similar to English, including mathematics, military, sports, and metaphorical uses. It's a fundamental concept in many fields and everyday language.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Base' is a noun meaning 'foundation' or 'basis', while 'basa' is a form of the verb 'basar' (to base) in the third person singular present tense.
Notes: The noun 'base' and the verb 'basar' are related, with 'base' being the foundation and 'basar' meaning to use something as a foundation.
Mnemonic: 'Base' is the thing itself, while 'basa' is what someone does (bases something on something else).
Explanation: 'Base' means 'foundation' in Spanish, while 'vase' is an English word for a decorative container. In Spanish, 'vase' would be translated as 'jarrón' or 'florero'.
Confused word:
Puso las flores en un jarrón.
She put the flowers in a vase.
Notes: These words look similar in writing but have completely different meanings and are from different languages.
Mnemonic: 'Base' supports things from below, while a 'vase' holds things inside it.