first base: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal
Quick answer
What does “first base” mean?
The initial base to be reached in the game of baseball, positioned immediately counter-clockwise from home plate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The initial base to be reached in the game of baseball, positioned immediately counter-clockwise from home plate.
In idiomatic use, the initial stage in a process, series, or relationship, especially implying a beginning level of intimacy or achievement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal term is understood in the UK due to cultural exposure but is not part of native British sports. The idiom is far more common and deeply embedded in American English.
Connotations
In AmE, the idiom carries strong connotations of romantic/sexual progression (e.g., 'getting to first base' = kissing). In BrE, while understood, it may be perceived as an Americanism and used more broadly for any initial stage.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE, especially in informal and media contexts. Low-to-medium frequency in BrE, largely in contexts influenced by American media.
Grammar
How to Use “first base” in a Sentence
[Subject] gets to/reaches first base [with Object][Subject] is thrown out at first baseWe're not even at first base yetVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first base” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pitcher first-based the runner with a quick throw.
- They attempted to first-base their way through the initial proposal.
American English
- He first-based her on their date last night.
- The sales team needs to first-base the client before moving to the demo.
adverb
British English
- The project proceeded first-base, then stalled.
- He ran first-base, rounding toward second.
American English
- They dated first-base, taking things slow.
- Start first-base, don't overwhelm the new hire.
adjective
British English
- The first-base coach signalled the runner.
- We're in a first-base situation with the negotiations.
American English
- She was his first-base kiss.
- They had a first-base agreement before moving in together.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Possibly in metaphorical reports: 'The new project hasn't even reached first base with the investors.'
Academic
Virtually never used, except in analyses of American culture or linguistics.
Everyday
Common in AmE informal conversation, especially regarding relationships or initial progress in a task.
Technical
Exclusively in the context of baseball, with precise rules regarding force outs, leads, and stealing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “first base”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “first base”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first base”
- Using 'first base' idiomatically in formal international contexts without clarification.
- In BrE, overestimating its comprehensibility for the romantic idiom.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its most common idiomatic use refers to initial physical intimacy (often kissing), it can metaphorically describe reaching the initial stage of any process (e.g., 'We can't get to first base with this client').
It is understood, especially by younger generations exposed to American media, but it is not a native British idiom. Its use in the UK will often be recognised as an Americanism.
They are subsequent, more advanced stages in the same baseball-derived metaphor for romantic/sexual progression, though their specific meanings are more variable and ambiguous than 'first base.'
In very informal, chiefly American usage, yes. For example, 'They first-based last night.' This is highly colloquial and not standard in formal writing.
The initial base to be reached in the game of baseball, positioned immediately counter-clockwise from home plate.
First base is usually informal in register.
First base: in British English it is pronounced /fɜːst beɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɜrst beɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get to first base (with someone/something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a romantic relationship as a baseball diamond: First Base is the first stop you must 'touch' on your way 'home.'
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS MOVEMENT ALONG A PATH (BASEBALL DIAMOND); ACHIEVEMENT IS REACHING A BASE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'first base' LEAST likely to be used idiomatically?