base /beis/ I. n.[c]基础, 底座;基地,根据地:the base of a pillar 柱基;a military (training, supply) base 军事(训练、供应)基地The machine rests on a wide base of steel. 机器安装在宽宽的钢底座上。‖II. vt.基于;把…建立在…,以…为基础;根据:base one’s opinion on/upon the facts 把自己的观点建立在事实的基础上 All action is based on judgement. 一切行动均建立在判断的基础上。The book is based on a true story. 这本书是以一个真实的故事为基础写成的。
[辨析]base常指具体的最底层的支撑部分,如 the base of a statue (a lamp); 在表示隐喻义时base和basis同义,如the basis/base of one’s argument (theory);foundation所表示的是比 base更雄伟,更坚固的结构,如the foundation of an ancient city;foundation 也能表示隐喻义,如 the foundation of democracy,此时它与basis相近。