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

However, Tiller says there is a "fundamental issue with the technology" which is designed to predict text based on language patterns and is now being used by the public for health advice.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Naindeep Singh, executive director of the Jakara Movement, a prominent Sikh advocacy group based in California, described transnational extortion gangs as being active in the state for some time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

The new report was not based on any updated research, but on a review of existing studies, researchers point out.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

A clinical trial, on which NewDays’ therapy is based, found participants had higher cognitive scores than the control group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

“So the program was put on hold for several years while they studied the flaws and redesigned their approach based on what they had learned.”

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh