basset: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized / Technical
Quick answer
What does “basset” mean?
A breed of low-set, long-bodied hunting dog with short legs, originally used for tracking game by scent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of low-set, long-bodied hunting dog with short legs, originally used for tracking game by scent.
Also refers to a geological term for the outcrop or line of exposure of a rock layer at the earth's surface. As a verb, it means (of rock) to appear at the surface or to be exposed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning differences. The dog breed is universally recognized. The geological/verb senses are technical and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
In everyday language, connotations are overwhelmingly of the dog breed. It may evoke imagery of British countryside hunting. In the US, it is simply a recognizable dog breed name.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. More likely encountered in UK contexts related to traditional hunting or dog shows, but not common.
Grammar
How to Use “basset” in a Sentence
The rock bassets out at the cliff face.They went hunting with their basset.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “basset” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The limestone bed bassets just east of the village.
- The geologist noted where the shale basseted.
American English
- The coal seam bassets out near the riverbank.
- We mapped where the igneous layer bassets.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- He owned a basset hound with exceptionally long ears.
American English
- The basset breed is known for its melancholy expression.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used only in geology/earth science papers ("the sandstone bassets here").
Everyday
Almost exclusively refers to the dog breed.
Technical
Geology: describing rock stratum exposure. Dog breeding/fancy: describing the breed.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “basset”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “basset”
- Misspelling as 'bassett'.
- Using as a general term for any dog.
- Incorrect plural: 'bassets' is correct, not 'basset' for plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is primarily a noun (the dog breed), but it is also a verb in geology meaning 'to outcrop' and can be used adjectivally in 'basset hound'.
By far the most common use is to refer to the Basset Hound, a specific breed of dog.
'Basset' is the standard spelling for the dog and geological term. 'Bassett' is a common surname and a frequent misspelling of the dog breed.
No, the standard pronunciation /ˈbæs.ɪt/ is essentially the same in both British and American English.
A breed of low-set, long-bodied hunting dog with short legs, originally used for tracking game by scent.
Basset is usually specialized / technical in register.
Basset: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbæs.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbæs.ɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BASSET as a dog that is BASically SET low to the ground.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOW IS CLOSE TO THE GROUND / TRACKING IS FOLLOWING A PATH
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the verb 'to basset' used?