A "Base Word" is the simplest form of a word that carries its core meaning without any prefixes or suffixes. For example, in the word "happiness," the base word is "happy." Base words serve as the foundation for creating other words by adding different endings or beginnings, which can change their meaning or grammatical function. Understanding base words is essential for vocabulary development and language learning. By recognizing base words, individuals can decode unfamiliar words and expand their language skills. This concept is particularly useful in studying related topics like morphology and word formation.