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

It is based in Canada and also operates within the U.S.,

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

And then after she read the script and agreed to participate, also getting involved as a producer, things gained momentum, adding cast members like Nivola based on her involvement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Outside of the manufacturing commitments and MFN deals, some nations will receive lower pharmaceutical tariff rates based on previous trade agreements their governments struck with the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Intel released business-focused processers based on 18A in March, just three months after launching the consumer version of the PC chips.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

He even had the commercial smarts to form a film syndicate, based on the fame of his expedition photographer, an Australian named Frank Hurley.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong