base word
Word's fundamental form
A base word is the simplest form of a word before any prefixes, suffixes, or other modifications are added.
In unhappiness, the base word is happy.
Base words carry the core meaning that derived forms build upon.
The term overlaps with root, though root sometimes refers to word elements that can't stand alone.
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- bottomLowest point or underside
- alkalineHaving high pH
- headquartersCentral command location
- campTemporary outdoor shelter site
pedestal · root · support · baseline · groundwork · platform · station · home · starting · core · foot · anchor · substrate · lowly · military · crude · vile · cowardly
morphological derivation status
base wordderivative
Function's rate of change
derivation · compound word · compound · inflection · neologism
base, bases, based, basing, basal, basally, basement, basements, basic