Pronunciation: [bˈas vˈɪl] (IPA) 
The spelling of "BAS VILLE" can be a bit confusing for non-French speakers. "BAS" is pronounced as /bas/, with a short 'a' sound and a silent 's'. "VILLE" is pronounced as /vil/, with a long 'i' sound and a silent 'e'. Together, the word is pronounced as /bas vil/. It translates to "low town" in English and is often used to describe the older, more historic parts of a city or town located in a lower elevation.
The term "BAS VILLE" is a French expression composed of two words: "bas" and "ville". Here is the etymology of each word individually:
1. "Bas" - This word comes from the Old French "bas" which means "low" or "down". Its origins can be traced back to the Latin word "bassus", meaning "low" or "short".
2. "Ville" - This word comes from the Old French "ville" which means "town" or "city". It has its roots in the Latin word "villa", which referred to a large rural estate or country house. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent enclosed settlements with marketplaces, leading to the current concept of a town or city.
When combined, "BAS VILLE" literally translates to "low town" in English.
