basis
/ˈbaː.zəs/
The English phrase 'basics' is translated into Dutch as basis.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to multiple fundamental principles or elements, the plural form is basissen.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈbaː.zəs/.
Did you know?
- The distant linguistic relative of basis is the Dutch word komst, which refers to 'coming' or 'arrival', showing how deeply roots can diverge over millennia.
- In Dutch, the word basis is frequently used in the fixed expression van de basis af, which means 'from the ground up' or 'from the very beginning'.
- Dutch has a distinct word grondslag which also means 'basis' but is used specifically for the theoretical or legal foundation of an argument.
Examples in context
- Dat vormt de basis van ons plan.That forms the basis of our plan.
- We moeten eerst de basis begrijpen.We must understand the basics first.
Example conversation
Lucas and Lisa are talking about a new cooking class.
- LucasGa je mee naar de kookles?Are you coming to the cooking class?
- LisaJa, maar ik ken de basis niet.Yes, but I don't know the basics.
- LucasGeen zorgen, de basis wordt uitgelegd.Don't worry, the basics will be explained.
- LisaDat is fijn om te horen, Lucas.That is good to hear, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry basis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries basis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
