basis

The main ideas, facts, or parts that something depends on or develops from.

• Trust is the basis of friendship.
• They rejected the claim on the basis of new evidence.
• These ideas formed the basis of his theory.

How to use it: basis for something (These results provide a basis for further research.); basis of something (Trust is the basis of their friendship.); on the basis of something (We chose her on the basis of her experience.)

Similar words: foundation, groundwork

Common phrases: basis for something, basis of something, on the basis

Used with words like daily or weekly to say how often something happens.

• We meet on a weekly basis.
• She takes this medicine on a daily basis.
• The figures are updated on a regular basis.

How to use it: on a daily/weekly/regular basis (The equipment is checked on a weekly basis.)

Common phrases: on a basis, a daily basis, a regular basis

A way of relating to someone in which you use their first name.

• We are on a first-name basis.
• She is on a first-name basis with all her clients.
• Are you on a first-name basis with the director?

How to use it: be on a first-name basis with someone (I am on a first-name basis with my boss.)

Similar words: terms

Common phrases: a first-name basis, on first-name basis

The conditions or arrangements under which something happens or is done.

• They work on a voluntary basis.
• We hired her on a temporary basis.
• Each case is considered on an individual basis.

How to use it: on a/an … basis (Everyone should compete on an equal basis.)

Similar words: terms, footing

Common phrases: on equal basis, a voluntary basis, a temporary basis

The bottom part that holds something up.

• The stone forms the basis of the column.
• The statue rests on a broad basis of rock.
• They examined the physical basis supporting the old structure.

Similar words: base, foundation

Common phrases: physical basis, stone basis, basis of something