Baste is a common term used in cooking, sewing, and even construction. It has a variety of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of baste, as well as its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and associations.
Definitions
Baste has several meanings, depending on the field in which it is used. In cooking, basting refers to the process of moistening meat or poultry with its own juices or with a sauce, typically using a basting brush or spoon. In sewing, basting is a temporary stitch used to hold fabric pieces together before the final stitching is done. In construction, basting refers to the process of securing two pieces of material together temporarily.
Origin
The origin of the word baste can be traced back to the Old French word “bastir,” which means “to build.” Over time, the word evolved to mean “to sew” or “to fasten,” and eventually, it came to mean “to moisten with a liquid” in cooking.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, baste means “to moisten (meat) with a liquid (such as melted butter, gravy, or sauce) especially while cooking.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines baste as “to sew with long, loose stitches in order to temporarily hold pieces of fabric together before the final stitching is done.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines baste as “to sew loosely with long stitches, or to pour liquid over meat as it cooks.”
Associations
Basting is often associated with cooking, particularly with roasting meats like turkey or ham. It is also commonly associated with sewing, particularly when making clothing or quilts. In construction, basting is used to temporarily hold two pieces of material together before they are permanently joined.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for baste include moisten, brush, coat, dab, and drizzle. In sewing, synonyms for basting include tacking, pinning, and holding.
Antonyms
The antonyms of baste depend on the context in which it is used. In cooking, the opposite of basting would be to leave the meat dry, without adding any liquid. In sewing, the opposite of basting would be to sew the fabric pieces together permanently, without using temporary stitches.
The same root words
The word baste shares its root with the word “bastion,” which means “a fortified place.” This is because both words come from the Old French word “bastir,” which means “to build.”
Example Sentences
- She basted the turkey with butter every 30 minutes while it cooked.
- I need to baste this fabric together before I do the final stitching.
- The construction worker basted the two pieces of wood together before nailing them.
- She used a basting brush to coat the chicken with barbecue sauce.
- I always baste my quilts before doing the final stitching to make sure everything is lined up correctly.