Do you need to know the difference and when to use 'base' or 'bass?' I can help!
Here is the short answer:
- 'Base' is a noun, verb, and adjective that refers to support at the bottom of something.
- 'Bass' is an adjective and noun that refers to a boney fish and a deep tone produced by bass singers and audio equipment.
However, both words have numerous definitions depending on how you use them. Furthermore, 'bass' is one of the few English terms you pronounce differently, 'based' on your meaning and usage.
So, there is much more to learn about these terms if you want to understand how to use each.
What is the Difference Between 'Base' and 'Bass?'
You can use both as a noun or adjective. However, 'base' can also be a verb.
It has many more meanings and is included in several popular idioms or sayings.
Aside from the difference in how you use these terms, they have different meanings. Yet, depending on how you use 'bass,' it is a homophone of 'base.'
So, 'base' and 'bass' sound similar when you are using the word to reference a:
- Bass guitar
- Bass player
- Stereo bass
- Bass singer
How to Use 'Base' or 'Bass'
Now that you have a better idea of the meaning of these two, let's look at how to use 'base' or 'bass.'
- Use 'base' to describe the place a runner in baseball must touch to avoid being struck out while the ball is in play
It can also mean:
- The 'bass' section in our band is incredible this year
Definition of 'Base': What Does 'Base' Mean?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'base' means:
- The foundation or support at the bottom of something
It can also mean:
- A platform at the bottom of something that gives the object stability
- The part of an organ or appendage that attaches it to the body
- A column, pier, or lower section of a wall that is a separate architectural feature
- The lower part of an art piece or sculpture
- A primary ingredient in a dish or recipe
- The lowest layer of something on which other layers are placed on top
- A starting point of an action
- Reliable support
- The economic factors that motivate Marxists' legal, social, and political opinions
- A center or hub of operations
- A permanent military installation
- A number raised to a power, for example, 3³
- A place where military operations start
- A figure multiplied by a rate or calculated from a fraction or percentage
- The corners players use as a safe place during games are located at the four corners of a baseball diamond
- A point of consideration
- A variety of water-soluble, bitter-tasting compounds that have a pH of 7 or higher when mixed into a solution
'Base' can also be a verb meaning:
- To identify a foundation or basis for a decision or opinion
- To craft, create, or construct the base of something
- To serve as a base
'Base' can also be an adjective meaning:
- Degrading or lacking morals
- Containing a high concentration of base metals
- Having a menial position
- Of short stature
- Of fundamental beliefs or behavior
- A simple or basic design
Synonyms of 'Base'
- Predicate
- Bottom
- Rest
- Support
- Establish
- Hang
- Presume
- Basis
- Cornerstone
- Foundation
- Bedrock
- Bottom
- Backbone
- Seat
- Hub
- Stronghold
- Headquarters
- Foothold
- Fortress
- Fort
- Center
- Station
- Mecca
- Core
- Heart
- Nucleus
- Core
- Hive
- Nexus
- Brain
- Basement
- Bedrock
- Keystone
- Bed
- Ground
- Foundation
- Nasty
- Vile
- Immoral
- Dirty
- Shady
- Low
- Nasty
- Basic
- Depraved
- Wretched
- Uncivilized
Definition of 'Bass': What Does 'Bass' Mean?
The same source defines 'bass' as a noun meaning:
- A variety of edible bony marine or freshwater fish
It can also mean:
- The lowest voice tone in a four-part chorus
- A range of instruments with the deepest or lowest pitch tone
- The lowest male voice tone
- A deep, low-pitched sound
- A tough, coarse fiber derived from palms
It can also be an adjective that means:
- Having a grave or deep tone
- Having a low pitch or sound
- Having the range of or being part of a bass
- A person having a low voice
Synonyms of 'Bass'
- Rough
- Deep
- Low
- Throaty
- Hoarse
- Gruff
- Booming
- Husky
- Boomy
Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Base' or 'Bass'
You know what these terms mean and how to use them. Let's look at the pronunciation of these two now.
As I mentioned, the pronunciation of 'bass' changes depending on how you use it. Therefore, learning to say the term correctly is essential if you want people to understand you.
So, here is a quick pronunciation guide you can follow.
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'base':
bAYs
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce the noun form of 'bass' used to reference fish:
bas
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce the noun and adjective forms of 'bass' used to reference tone:
bAYs
As you can see, 'base' and 'bass' are homophones when you use the latter to reference sound or pitch.
Sample Sentences Using 'Base' or 'Bass'
We are almost ready to wrap up this lesson, but first, read these sample sentences to see how you use these words in different contexts.
Base
- Everyone knows you can get eliminated if you move off base during a game of tag.
- They meet at their base once or twice weekly, depending on the projects they are working on and how much free time they have.
- That umpire made a horrible call. The player was on base, but the referee called him out.
- I have to buy a new car, but I do not need anything fancy. I am okay with a base model as long as it has an air conditioner and automatic transmission.
- You cannot base important life decisions on input from people who do not have their own life in order.
Bass
- We ate sea bass for dinner last night, and it was delicious.
- You should hear the bass on the boombox I just bought.
- He played bass guitar in a garage band in high school.
- She likes to listen to stories read by a man with a deep bass voice. She finds it soothing.
- You should listen to the music on the new stereo I bought. Even with the volume and bass turned up, the sound is crystal clear.
The Recap: 'Base' or 'Bass'
Finally, let's quickly recap what you learned about how to use or differentiate 'base' or 'bass.'
- 'Base' is a versatile noun, verb, and adjective that means the bottom of something that supports the rest of the structure or a connection between parts.
- 'Bass' is a noun for a marine or freshwater boney fish.
- 'Bass' is also a noun and adjective that describes a deep low tone or the lowest male voices.
You should be an expert on the difference between these homophones, but if you get stuck in the future, just come back to this lesson for a quick refresher.
And whether you are learning English as a second language or working on improving your writing skills, the other confusing word guides here are helpful. Each contains usage tips, definitions, and examples, so they are an excellent way to learn about words you may not know while improving your grammar.
