Etymology Map
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Basis

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means the underlying support or foundation for an idea

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

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

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.