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baseline

baseline

56 3.8
A starting point for comparing later results
  • noun
  • /ˈbeɪslaɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : punto de referencia
  • The doctor measured the patient's heart rate to establish a baseline for future comparisons.
  • baseline data
  • compare to a baseline
  • establish a baseline

I still have a baseline of pain most days.

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Examples

  • The median scores of the three sessions became the baseline data for the student.

    Academic text (2015)
  • A 51% increase in mean quiz scores was observed from baseline to treatment with Amy.

    Academic text (2015)
  • So that means that my body has some kind of baseline weight.

  • What we're looking for is changes to baseline and things that indicate stress or fear.

  • I need to establish a baseline for your brain processing speed.

  • So we get details of your baseline diet, your personal characteristics.

    ZOE
  • That shouldn't be the case if the baseline level is correct.

  • So this provides a very strong baseline for QA systems.

  • Students' heights and weights were collected at baseline and 24 months by trained research staff.

    Academic text (2013)
  • It depends on your baseline fitness and your how lean you are to start.

Synonyms

measure
vsbaseline
92 2.5

A standard used to compare people or things

has identical meaning and is used interchangeably here
benchmark
vsbaseline
65 4.2

A standard used to compare quality or performance

is the broader, general reference rather than a specific test
reference
vsbaseline
35 3.1

A standard used to compare other things

is the more technical entry focusing on measurement use
gauge
vsbaseline
17 5.6

A measure people use to judge how good or successful something is

is a wider reference point rather than a judging instrument
yardstick
vsbaseline
12 3.9

A way to judge how good or successful something is

is a more general reference not always a physical measure
reference point
vsbaseline
10 3.7

A known mark people use to compare or find position

is similar but framed here as a general reference standard
point of reference
vsbaseline
5 4.1

A known example people use to judge or compare other things

expresses the same guiding idea but in more general terms
standard of measurement
vsbaseline
  • Formal
3.0

An agreed unit used to measure and compare things

is a general comparison point that may lack official status
bench mark
vsbaseline
  • UK
6.4

A metal or stone mark in the ground that shows a known height to measure land

is a general comparison standard, not a specific survey mark

Antonyms

25 5.3

A difference from what is usual or expected

How Official

gold standard
15 3.9
standard
675 2.7
baseline
  • Specialized
56 3.8
rule of thumb
  • Informal
31 3.8

Surface Forms

baseline singular
baselines plural

Morphology

baseline = base + line (semi-transparent) = base + line

The compound is used metaphorically as a standard or starting point; components suggest the idea but the abstract usage is figurative.

Etymology

The word baseline comes from the two simple words base ('foundation' or 'starting point') and line ('a long thin mark'). So in measurement or comparison a baseline is the starting level or reference you use to judge later change.