noun a military term referring to being outside the designated area
adjective incorrect or mistaken
adverb in a way that is incorrect or mistaken
To be off base means to be incorrect or mistaken in one's understanding or assumptions. It can also refer to being physically outside of a military base without permission or authorization.
In baseball, being off base refers to a runner not being in contact with a base while a pitch is being thrown. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a player making a mistake or being out of position.
Off base can be used in everyday language to indicate being incorrect, mistaken, or out of touch with reality.
In a professional writing context, 'off base' may refer to a statement or argument that is not supported by evidence or is not logically sound. For example, a writer may be criticized for making an off base claim in an article.
In psychology, 'off base' can be used to describe a client's beliefs or perceptions that are not in line with reality or are based on faulty reasoning. A psychologist may work with a client to help them recognize and correct these off base beliefs.
For an accountant, 'off base' could refer to financial calculations or projections that are inaccurate or based on incorrect assumptions. It is important for accountants to ensure that their work is accurate and not off base to maintain the integrity of financial reporting.
In engineering, being off base can mean making incorrect assumptions or calculations that lead to errors in design or construction. Engineers must carefully review their work to ensure that they are not off base in their plans or calculations.
In the legal profession, 'off base' could refer to a legal argument or interpretation that is not supported by relevant laws or precedents. A lawyer may be criticized by a judge for making an off base argument in court.