How to pronounce basis
Say it like BAY-sus. Basis has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce basis. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAY
- sus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Basis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- susKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of basis
American and British speakers say basis in essentially the same way: /ˈbeɪsəs/ in the US and /ˈbeɪsɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAY-sis.
What does basis mean?
- a relation that provides the foundation for something“they were on a friendly footing”“he worked on an interim basis”
- the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained“the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture”
- the most important or necessary part of something“the basis of this drink is orange juice”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying basis
How do you pronounce basis?
Say BAY-sus. The American pronunciation is /ˈbeɪsəs/. In British English it is /ˈbeɪsɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in basis?
Basis has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAY). Broken into parts: BAY · sus.
Do Americans and Brits say basis the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbeɪsəs/ and the British form is /ˈbeɪsɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.