- Definition
In math, when you see a number like 3 with a smaller number above it (like 3⁵), the "base" is the big number (3) that you multiply by itself a certain number of times.
In the word 'walking,' the base word is 'walk' and '-ing' is the ending added to it.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A base word is like the main Lego block you can add other pieces onto to build a new word.
Ask your child: What's the small word hiding inside 'jumping'?
Common mix-up: Kids might just look for any small word inside a bigger one. The base word is the main part that holds the core meaning, even if its spelling changes slightly when you add to it.
Examples
- In 'unhappy,' the base word is 'happy.'
- In 'jumped,' the base word is 'jump.'
- In 'dogs,' the base word is 'dog.'
base is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 1 The Arts
- Grade 1 Language Arts
- Grade 2 Language Arts
- Grade 3 Language Arts
- Grade 4 Language Arts
- Grade 5 Language Arts
- Grade 6 Language Arts
- Grade 7 Language Arts
+7 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
