Without basis is a commonly used phrase that means something is unsupported or has no foundation. The word without is pronounced /wɪðaʊt/, which is a combination of the consonant sound /w/, the vowel sound /ɪ/, the consonant sound /ð/, and the vowel sound /aʊ/. Basis, on the other hand, is pronounced /ˈbeɪsɪs/, which is a combination of the consonant sound /b/, the vowel sound /eɪ/, the consonant sound /s/, the vowel sound /ɪ/, and the consonant sound /s/. Together, the two words are pronounced /wɪðaʊt ˈbeɪsɪs/.
Without basis: lacking any foundation or justification; having no logical or valid support.
When something is described as "without basis," it means that it lacks a proper rationale or valid evidence to support its claims or assumptions. It implies a lack of logical reasoning and implies that the statement or action is unfounded or unjustified. Without basis can be used to refer to various contexts, such as arguments, accusations, beliefs, or decisions that lack a logical or factual foundation.
In the case of an argument, saying that it is "without basis" suggests that the argument lacks any valid evidence or reasoning, and therefore, is unreliable and flawed. Similarly, an accusation made without basis implies that it is based on unsubstantiated claims or assumptions, lacking any solid proof or factual grounds. People can also hold beliefs without basis when they adopt certain ideas or opinions without any supporting evidence, logic, or reasoning.
The term "without basis" emphasizes the underlying absence of legitimacy or credibility in whatever is being discussed. It highlights the importance of having a solid and justifiable foundation for any assertion or action, as without basis implies that the subject matter lacks the necessary grounding in logic, facts, or reason.
The word "without basis" does not have a specific etymology of its own. Rather, it is a combination of two separate words: "without" and "basis", each with their own etymologies.
1. "Without": The word "without" originated from the Old English word "wiðūtan", which is a combination of "wið" (against, opposite) and "ūtan" (outside). Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word "withouten", with the same meaning. From there, it gradually transformed into the modern English term "without".
2. "Basis": The word "basis" entered English from Latin, where it was derived from the Ancient Greek word "basis" meaning "a step, pedestal, base". The Latin word "basis" had a similar meaning. It was later borrowed by English, primarily during the Renaissance period.