basis

basis — noun

1. the pattern used for doing or organizing something, especially how often it happ

1.nounB2
Definition

the pattern used for doing or organizing something, especially how often it happens

Example

The clinic checks blood pressure on a monthly basis.

on a ... basis for frequency

We hire extra drivers on a part-time basis each summer.

on a part-time basis

Common collocations
  • daily basis
  • regular basis
  • voluntary basis
  • part-time basis
  • self-service basis
Synonyms
  • method

    focuses more on the exact steps used to do something

  • system

    suggests a larger organized set of rules or parts

  • arrangement

    broader and often used for agreements between people or groups

Grammar Patterns

on a daily basis

on a regular basis

on a voluntary basis

on a part-time basis

Usage Note

Most common after on a and an adjective, especially for frequency, work arrangements, or service rules. Distinguish from sense 2, which gives supporting facts or reasons rather than the way an activity is set up.

Common Mistakes

The nurse calls patients in weekly basis.
The nurse calls patients on a weekly basis.
use on a ... basis for schedules and arrangements.

2. the facts, ideas, or reasons that a decision, belief, or new piece of work is bu

2.nounC1
Definition

the facts, ideas, or reasons that a decision, belief, or new piece of work is built on

Example

The lab results gave doctors a strong basis for changing the medicine.

basis for + -ing

Her travel diary became the basis of the film's final scene.

basis of + noun

Common collocations
  • basis for a decision
  • basis for a claim
  • basis of an argument
  • factual basis
  • legal basis
Synonyms
  • foundation

    often sounds slightly more formal and can be both literal and figurative

  • grounds

    usually focuses more narrowly on reasons for an action or belief

  • principle

    stresses a rule or belief, not supporting facts

Grammar Patterns

basis for something

basis of something

basis in something

on the basis of something

Usage Note

Often followed by for, of, or in when you name what is being supported. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about a working pattern or arrangement rather than supporting reasons or facts.

Common Mistakes

There is no basis to your claim.
There is no basis for your claim.
basis is usually followed by for when you name the claim, decision, or action it supports.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

For sense 1, basis is common in formal phrases describing how something operates or how often it happens. Method usually points to the steps used to do a task, such as a method for teaching reading. System is broader and suggests an organized set of parts or rules. Arrangement is looser and often describes an agreement between people. Basis is especially useful in patterns like on a regular basis, on a voluntary basis, or on a part-time basis, where the focus is the operating pattern, not the detailed procedure. A clinic may meet patients on a weekly basis, use one method for testing blood, and keep records in a separate system.

basis ↗method ↗system ↗arrangement ↗

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

Basis came into English from Greek by way of Latin. In Greek, basis meant a step, standing place, or base. That image of something you stand on later widened in English to mean the support for an idea, decision, or working arrangement.