based

American  

[beyst] / beɪst /

adjective

1. having a specified object or material as its base or foundation or as its primary constituent (often used in combination).

   Our house was one of the three stone-based houses of that era, built by my maternal grandfather.

2. established, grounded, or focused on a specified principle or belief, fact, method, etc. (often used in combination).

   It’s a culturally based phys ed curriculum that uses Indian traditions and values to teach healthy lifestyle habits.

   There are a number of promising evidence-based treatment modalities to address depression.

3. having a specified place as its primary location or headquarters; stationed or situated (often used in combination).

   A centrally based Houston media agency is looking for a Digital Account Manager to help with a key communications client.

   The Chicago-based HIV/AIDS organization provides housing, healthcare, and substance abuse programs for its clients.

4. having a specified origin or source (often used in combination).

   They want to replace animal-based foods with plant-based milks and vegetable protein.

5. Slang. true to one’s self or secure in one’s beliefs regardless of what others think, especially when those beliefs fall outside of the mainstream.

   Her presentation was so based—did you see the teacher's expression? Priceless!

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interjection

Slang.

1. (used to express approval or respect, especially in response to a social media post).

   Based. At least somebody shows some spine on this forum.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of base.

Other Word Forms

• unbased adjective
• well-based adjective

Etymology

Origin of based

First recorded in 1610–20; base ¹ ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Any such moves to seize assets within this trust would have to go through the courts in the state where the trust is based, which may differ from your state or the creditor’s state.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

It says the payout has been capped at £120,000 since 2007, needs to rise "at least in line with inflation" with new levels put in place based on the level of injury suffered.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Traders also expect at least one quarter-point Bank of Canada rate increase before the end of 2026, based on trading in the overnight-index swap market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Avid, founded in 1987, is based in Burlington, Mass., and has since established itself as a pioneer in digital audio and video editing software.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Second, the reports Adams was receiving from John Quincy in Prussia, based on his network of contacts in Paris and Amsterdam, provided fresh evidence that Talleyrand was now eager for peace with the United States.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis