based
Americanadjective
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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.
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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.
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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.
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having a specified origin or source (often used in combination).
They want to replace animal-based foods with plant-based milks and vegetable protein.
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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!
interjection
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of based
First recorded in 1610–20; base 1 ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While Polymarket recently launched a regulated U.S. venue, its main high-volume international crypto exchange remains off-limits to traders based in the U.S. — although there are workarounds, like using a VPN to mask one’s location.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2026
With the crater's origins established, researchers used numerical models, or computer simulations based on physical laws, to reconstruct what happened during the collision.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 21, 2026
In reality, Saman was another BBC undercover journalist based in the UK.
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026
Under a policy based on the premise that the dead trees, or “snags,” will become fuel for future devastating wildfires and hinder planting of replacement trees, the U.S.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026
“It’s based on the photo Pua’s mom took of us last weekend,” he says.
From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.