1 B2 informal
(Informal, non-standard) To use something as the source, foundation, or inspiration for something else.
"The game's plot is based off an obscure French novel from the 1970s."
separable
base off
B2 informal separable transitive
To use something as the foundation or source of something else (informal/non-standard variant of 'base on').
In plain English
To make something using another thing as your starting point or main idea.
What does "base off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To found something 'off' another thing — 'off' here implies derivation, which is non-standard.
Actually means
To make something using another thing as your starting point or main idea.
Usage tip
Widely considered non-standard; 'base on' or 'base upon' are preferred in formal writing. However, 'base off' and 'base off of' are extremely common in informal American English speech and online writing. Learners should be aware of the stigma in formal contexts.
Words that pair with "base off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea design character story concept model
How to conjugate "base off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
base off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bases off
he/she/it
Past simple
based off
yesterday
Past participle
based off
have + pp
-ing form
basing off
continuous
Hear "base off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "base off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.