English word base comes from Proto-Indo-European *bhars-, Proto-Indo-European *bʰórsos, Latin basis, Late Latin bassus, and later Old French (842-ca. 1400) bas (Low (near the ground).)
You can also see our other etymologies for the English word base. Currently you are viewing the etymology of base with the meaning: (Adjective) (archaic) Of low social standing or rank; vulgar, common.. (legal) Not held by honourable service.. (now, rare) Inferior; unworthy, of poor quality.. (obsolete) Low in height; short.. (obsolete) [...](archaic) Of low social standing or rank; vulgar, common.. (legal) Not held by honourable service.. (now, rare) Inferior; unworthy, of poor quality.. (obsolete) Low in height; short.. (obsolete) [...]
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *bhars- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *bʰórsos | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| basis | Latin (lat) | (architecture) The lowest part of the shaft of a column.. (grammar) The primitive word, root.. (of cattle) A track, footprint.. A pedestal, foot, base; basis, foundation. |
| bassus | Late Latin (LL) | |
| base | Old French (842-ca. 1400) (fro) | Base (bottom part; supporting part). |
| bas | Old French (842-ca. 1400) (fro) | Low (near the ground). |
| *barsaz | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | A fish, perch. |
| bærs | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | |
| bars | Middle English (1100-1500) (enm) | |
| baas | Middle English (1100-1500) (enm) | |
| base | English (eng) | (archaic) Of low social standing or rank; vulgar, common.. (legal) Not held by honourable service.. (now, rare) Inferior; unworthy, of poor quality.. (obsolete) Low in height; short.. (obsolete) Of illegitimate birth; bastard.. (obsolete) Of low value or degree.. Alloyed with inferior metal; debased.. Designating those metals which are not classed as precious or noble.. Low in place or [...] |