basest

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'basest' is correct and usable in written English.
It is the superlative form of the adjective 'base', which means having low moral standards or lacking principles. You can use 'basest' when you want to emphasize something as the most morally depraved or dishonorable compared to other things. Example: The dictator's actions were considered the basest form of human cruelty, as he showed no remorse for the innocent lives he took.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And while the NSFW warning might often have served as pragmatic advice (behind which, admittedly, were ethical norms about workplace behaviour), the later injunctions not to click have a moral force that – just possibly – suggests something counterintuitive: the spread of ethical compunction across the basest, most sexually commodifying and amoral of all human inventions, the internet.

The Guardian

And then he called for a "better politics", in which Republicans and Democrats might "appeal to each other's basic decency instead of our basest fears".It's been fascinating to watch the big media maw chew this speech up and spit it out.

The Economist

A line from "Timon of Athens", a noble and generous soul abandoned by his friends when misfortune overtook him, seems appropriate:What viler thing upon the earth than friends, Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!S.

The Economist

The result of this gridlock, Americans are so often told, is politics of the basest sort.

The Economist

The profile of Beavis and Butt-Head was significantly raised when some in politics and the media criticized the program for glorifying the destructive and antisocial behaviour of its principals complaints that missed the true purpose of the show, which was to ridicule the basest characteristics of the so-called MTV generation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His urge to keep his independence is evident in his break with the writer Maksim Gorky and other old friends after the Russian Revolution of 1917, which he perceived as the triumph of the basest side of the Russian people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So why, then, if we're so committed to equality, to judging people on virtue rather than appearance, do we still fall prey to the basest of reactions, such as my rather visceral response to virtuous, dreamy Prime Minister Trudeau?

Independent

Davis relates how in Phoenix, a few years ago, the authorities poisoned the city's rubbish with cyanide to deny the hungry even the basest snack.

Independent

In America, Donald Trump is scaling the polls with the basest rhetoric against Mexicans.

Independent

The article, written by journalist Alex Massie for the Spectator magazine, accused Theresa May of "pandering to the basest elements of the Tory party".

Independent

Who wouldn't – deep down, in the basest, most prurient of ways – not have yearned to be a fly on the wall of the jury room at Southwark Crown Court, not just once, but twice, as 12 good people and true considered Vicky Pryce's archaic defence of marital coercion.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basest", consider whether a more direct synonym like "lowest" or "most vile" might be more impactful depending on your audience and the tone you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "basest" simply to mean "basic" or "fundamental". "Basest" carries a strong negative connotation of moral degradation, not merely simplicity or origin.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "basest" functions as a superlative, modifying a noun to indicate the extreme degree of a negative quality, specifically related to morality or ethics. Ludwig AI confirms the adjective usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "basest", as confirmed by Ludwig AI, is the superlative form of "base" and is used to describe something that is the most morally reprehensible or of the lowest quality. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, it conveys strong disapproval or condemnation. When using "basest", consider its strong negative connotation and whether alternatives like "most vile" or "lowest" might be more appropriate. Avoid using it simply to mean "basic" or "fundamental". The high frequency and authoritative sources indicate its established usage in formal and journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most vile

Focuses on the repulsiveness or disgusting nature of something.

most degraded

Emphasizes the loss of dignity or moral quality.

vilest

An alternative superlative of vile.

lowest

A simpler, more direct way to indicate something is at the bottom of a scale, often moral.

most ignoble

Highlights the lack of honor or nobility.

most immoral

Directly addresses the lack of moral principles.

meanest

Implies a lack of generosity or a willingness to be cruel.

most despicable

Stresses the contemptible nature of something.

most contemptible

Similar to despicable, but with a focus on deserving scorn.

most wretched

Emphasizes the miserable or unfortunate quality.

FAQs

How can I use "basest" in a sentence?

Use "basest" to describe something that is the most morally reprehensible or of the lowest quality. For example: "That was the "basest form of betrayal" I have ever witnessed."

What's the difference between "basest" and "lowest"?

"Basest" implies moral depravity or degradation, while "lowest" simply indicates position or level. Using "lowest" might be more appropriate when describing price, quantity or status, while "basest" is specific to moral or ethical standing.

What are some synonyms for "basest"?

Alternatives to "basest" include "most vile", "most degraded", or "most ignoble depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey".

When is it appropriate to use "basest" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "basest" in writing when you want to emphasize the extreme immorality or lack of principles associated with something. Be mindful of the strong negative connotation.