More base or lower in quality, value, or morality; more dishonorable or contemptible than something else.
From Old English 'bas,' related to 'base' (low, inferior). The comparative form has been used since Middle English to describe declining quality or virtue.
Shakespeare used 'base' and 'baser' constantly to describe villains and cowards—Iago is described as acting from 'baser instincts,' which made audiences immediately understand he was motivated by jealousy, not honor.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.