A base is the lowest part or bottom of something. Think base of a statue, base of a triangle, or base camp below Mount Everest. The homophone bass refers to the deepest or lowest sound of a voice, guitar, or another instrument. And the bass that rhymes with pass is a fish that swims in rivers, lakes, and seas.
Base has a wide range of definitions. Many uses refer to the bottom or foundation of something like the base for a lamp stand or a broth as a base for soup. Another meaning of base is the living quarters for the military. And, you can't play baseball without four bases. Additionally, scientists base their hypotheses on years of research. That's variety! Here are some examples:
She checked the base of each tree for mushrooms. (A Place to Belong)
All servicemen must return to their bases immediately, the man said. (Unbroken)
They say that they want decisions to be based on solid science. (Nature)
Bass has two main senses — one is related to fish and one is related to sounds. Largemouth or smallmouth bass are fish that travel in groups called schools. So, you can remember that the fish definition of bass rhymes with class. The bass that refers to a deep voice or low notes made by an instrument rhymes with case, which is something you put a musical instrument in. Here are some more examples of bass:
In another corner are a bass guitar and a keyboard. (Pride)
Coloring the score are the sounds of bells, whistling, birdlike cries and the growl of a low bass voice. (The New York Times)
With luck I might catch a bass or two to have for dinner with the salad. (Z for Zachariah)
The bottom or foundation of something is usually sturdy, steady, or strong. Their single s matches the s in base. The two s's in bass can help you remember sounds and swims, which describe its two definitions.