English Lexicon

Base-form

/ˈbeɪs fɔrm/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The simplest form of a word, typically used as the dictionary entry for a verb.

    "In English, the base-form of the verb 'to run' is 'run'."
  2. 2

    The form of a verb that is not inflected for tense or person.

    "When teaching English, it's important to focus on the base-form of verbs for beginners."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'base-form' combines 'base', derived from the Latin 'basis', meaning foundation or support, and 'form', from Old English 'form', meaning shape or structure. The term has evolved in linguistic contexts to denote the simplest form of a word, particularly in relation to verb conjugations.

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