Meaning
依据 means 'basis' or 'foundation' when used as a noun, referring to the evidence, grounds, or factual foundation for something. As a verb or preposition, it means 'according to' or 'based on', indicating that something is done in accordance with certain standards, rules, or facts. It's commonly used in formal, legal, academic, and official contexts.
Usage
依据 is more formal than 根据 (gēn jù), though they're often interchangeable. Native speakers use 依据 especially in written language, official documents, legal contexts, and news reports. As a noun, it often appears in phrases like 事实依据 (factual basis) or 法律依据 (legal basis). When used as a preposition meaning 'according to', it typically precedes the source or standard being referenced.
Examples
- 01法院依据相关法律作出了判决。.The court made a ruling according to the relevant laws.
- 02你的指控没有事实依据。.Your accusation has no factual basis.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个依据
- 项一项依据
Common collocations
- 事实依据factual basis
- 法律依据legal basis
- 依据...做出决定...make a decision based on...
- 缺乏依据lack basis/foundation
Origin
Both characters relate to reliance and evidence. 依 originally meant 'to lean on' or 'depend on', while 据 meant 'to grasp' or 'occupy', later extending to 'evidence' or 'proof'. Together they form a word meaning the foundation or proof one relies upon.