Showing definitions for based

SEE ALSO

Slang dictionary results for based

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!

---

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

In this instance, her Medicare eligibility would be based on her disability status rather than retirement age.

From MarketWatch • May 9, 2026

The chief justice declared that the way to end racial discrimination was to stop discriminating based on race.

From Salon • May 9, 2026

Argentina, which deals with this strain of hantavirus more than most countries, sets guidelines based on a person’s exposure.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

Using those findings, Brown's lab designed a viral gene therapy based on a tissue regeneration enhancer previously identified in zebrafish.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

“Emmm. Well…if you don’t go to my school, then this isn’t going to work. But if you do find yourself at McNulty…then based on what I saw today, you’re on.”

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko