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.
“Businesses therefore expect output price inflation to be unchanged over the next year, based on three-month averages,” the BOE said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
At least 26,164 tool thefts were recorded in 2025, based on responses from 30 police forces who shared data.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
Since her fan art is based on existing intellectual property, she doesn’t intend to pursue legal action.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
"My vote was cast based upon my feelings about how they've handled the stewardship that the voters have given them," said Michael Childs, 62.
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
“Our project is based in the Afram Plains, but we’ve been patrolling different parts of the lake.”
From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo
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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.