basis

Where does the word "basis" come from? It comes from Greek basis, passing through Latin before entering English (1570s).

Basis’s story begins in Greek: basis meant “step, pedestal.” From 'bainein', to step: that on which one steps. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as basis. A pedestal or foundation of a column. It reached English by 1570s as basis. Used figuratively for the underlying principle. Today, basis means the underlying support or foundation for an idea.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient basis "step, pedestal", from 'bainein', to step: that on which one steps.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient basis "base", a pedestal or foundation of a column.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1570s basis "foundation", used figuratively for the underlying principle.