pagrindas

Pagrindas is Lithuanian eine word meaning the basis, foundation or underlying reason for something. It is a masculine noun used both in concrete and abstract senses. In everyday language it can refer to what something rests upon, as well as the rationale behind a claim, action, or decision.

In usage, pagrindas distinguishes between physical foundations and conceptual bases. For buildings, the physical foundation is more commonly called pamatas, while pagrindas conveys the broader idea of a base or supporting ground for an argument, method, or plan. In philosophy, law, science, and policy, phrases such as teisės pagrindas (legal basis) or ekonominis pagrindas (economic basis) are common, signaling the underlying justification or framework.

Common related forms include pagrindinis (main, principal) as an adjective, and pagrindai in the plural. Typical inflected forms are pagrindas (singular nominative), pagrindo (genitive), pagrindui (dative), pagrindą (accusative), and pagrindų (genitive plural), among others, aligning with Lithuanian noun declension patterns.

Differences from similar terms are notable. Pamatas tends to refer specifically to a physical foundation, such as the base of a building, whereas pagrindas more often denotes an abstract basis or rationale. The plural form pagrindai is used when speaking of multiple bases or fundamental aspects.

Examples:

- Šio sprendimo pagrindas yra atliktas tyrimas.

- Įmonės pagrindas remiasi naujomis technologijomis.

- Pamatai yra kieti; tai paveldėtas pagrindas kalbėdamas apie argumentą.