What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
origins
Example
The origins of jazz music can be traced back to African American communities in New Orleans. [origins: noun]
Example
She researched the origins of her family tree and discovered her ancestors came from Ireland. [origins: plural noun]
Example
The origins of the internet can be traced back to the 1960s. [origins: plural noun]
basis
Example
The basis of our argument is that everyone deserves equal rights. [basis: noun]
Example
She made her decision on the basis of the available evidence. [basis: noun]
Example
The company's success was built on the basis of hard work and innovation. [basis: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Basis is more commonly used than origins in everyday language. Basis is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while origins is less common and refers to a specific aspect of something.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between origins and basis?
Both origins and basis can be used in formal or academic contexts, but basis is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
