What does basely mean?
"Basely" is an adverb meaning in a manner that is dishonorable, cowardly, or contemptible — that is, in a way that reflects a want of moral principle. It derives from the adjective "base," which describes actions or people lacking nobility of character, combined with the adverbial suffix "-ly." The word appears most often in literary, historical, and critical writing, where it condemns conduct such as betrayal, cowardice, servile flattery, or the abandonment of duty. To act basely is to fall short of the standards of honor expected of a decent person, making the term inherently pejorative and strongly disapproving in tone. Typical uses include phrases like "he basely betrayed his friend" or "she would not basely abandon her principles." Though uncommon in casual speech, "basely" remains a precise and forceful way to characterize shameful behavior, offering writers a compact alternative to longer moral condemnations.
adverbIn a manner that shows a lack of moral principles; dishonorably, cowardly, or contemptibly.
- In a morally base manner; dishonorably or contemptibly.
"He basely abandoned his comrades when they needed him most."
"The traitor basely sold state secrets to a foreign power for personal gain."
"She refused to basely flatter her superiors in hopes of promotion."
The word 'basely' has been damning villains in English literature since Shakespeare's day — it's how playwrights say someone acted without honor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of basely
"Basely" is formed from the adjective "base," which entered Middle English from Old French "bas" (meaning low), ultimately from medieval Latin "bassus" (short or low). The suffix "-ly" was added in English to create an adverb describing action done in a base manner. Cognates and relatives include "debase" and "abase," both built on the same Latin root, as well as the noun "baseness." The word has been part of English since at least the early modern period, serving as a standard term of moral condemnation in literature.
Related word forms
How basely is actually used
A formal, literary word carrying strong negative moral connotation; rare in everyday conversation but common in criticism and historical or dramatic writing.
Easily confused with basely
'Bassly' is not an established English word; 'basely' refers to moral baseness, while the similar-sounding 'bass' relates to low musical pitch.