base

/beɪs/

Group 19Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Without moral principles; ignoble
GRE

Example in Context

The prosecutor described the defendant's actions as base and self-serving, devoid of any regard for the victims.

Synonyms

lowvileimmoral

Etymology

Derived from 'basis', meaning a low or ignoble foundation.

  • basis (Greek) — foundation

Memory Aid

🐟Sounds like “bass

The BASS fish swam in the murky waters, proving how BASE he really was!

Visual Association

💩A fish swimming in dirty water, showing its lack of moral principles.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “base” mean on the GRE?

base (adjective) means “Without moral principles; ignoble”. The prosecutor described the defendant's actions as base and self-serving, devoid of any regard for the victims.

How to remember “base” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “base” sounds like “bass”. The BASS fish swam in the murky waters, proving how BASE he really was!

What are synonyms for “base”?

Common synonyms: low, vile, immoral.