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.
Under regulations introduced in September, the fees are based on a company's qualifying worldwide revenue and apply to firms earning more than £250m a year.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
One analyst sees opportunities in China, based on surveys of hiring intentions and other data points.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
The SEC plans to weigh revising auditor independence rules over the next year, starting with releasing informal, nonbinding guidance based on companies’ recurring questions, Chief Accountant Kurt Hohl said backstage at a conference Thursday.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
Josefina López wrote “Real Women Have Curves,” based on her experiences as an undocumented Mexican immigrant working in a Boyle Heights garment factory, nearly 40 years ago.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
“It is not in our programming to make unfounded guesses based on scenarios where we do not yet have adequate data,” Journey answers.
From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.