bottom on

C1 formal inseparable transitive

In simple words

To have something as the basic reason or foundation that everything else depends on.

Literal meaning: To have one's bottom (lowest point or foundation) resting on something — to be grounded in a particular base.

Meanings

1 C1 formal

rare

(Formal/archaic) To be based or founded on a particular principle, evidence, or premise.

"The court's decision bottoms on the established principle that no one may profit from their own wrongdoing."

Grammar: inseparable

2 C1 neutral

rare

(Nautical) Of a vessel, to make contact with the seabed; to run aground.

"In low tide, the shallow-draft boat bottomed on the sandbar near the harbour mouth."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Rare and formal; found mainly in legal, philosophical, and academic writing. 'Bottom on' is used in the same sense as 'be based on' or 'rest on', but has an archaic or highly formal feel. Most contemporary writers would use 'based on' or 'founded on'. May also appear in nautical contexts where a vessel 'bottoms on' the seabed (i.e., its hull touches the bottom).

Commonly used with

principle evidence fact premise law seabed

Forms

Base

bottom on

I/you/we/they

3rd person

bottoms on

he/she/it

Past simple

bottomed on

yesterday

Past participle

bottomed on

have + pp

-ing form

bottoming on

continuous

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