basis definition - Dictionary

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Basingstoke and Deane

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basis

ba·sis [ báyssiss ] (plural ba·ses [ báy sz ])

noun

Definition:

1. foundation: something that acts as a support or foundation, especially of an idea or argument

Are you sure there is no basis to this rumor?

2. starting point: the point from which something starts or is developed

find the basis on which to begin negotiations

3. way of proceeding: the basic method or system according to which something is done or organized

work on a part-time basis

4. main component: the main component or ingredient of something

5. mathematics set of vectors: in a vector space, the minimal set of vectors necessary to define all other vectors in the space

6. finance basic value for tax purposes: the basic value of a piece of property, used by the Internal Revenue Service to calculate depreciation or capital gains or losses when the property is disposed of. In the case of purchased property, the basis is usually what the owner paid for it.

[Late 16th century. Via Latin< Greek, "step, base" < bainen "go"]

Word Usage


	Basis does a number of jobs that other words can do better or that need not be done at all. Expressions such as on a continuing basis,on a daily basis, and on a regular basis are sometimes only wordier ways of saying continually, daily, and regularly. By the same token, providing expert resources on a global basis means providing them everywhere. Careful writers should avoid the unnecessary use of basis.