'fee-based' originates from the combination of 'fee' and 'based', where 'fee' meant 'a payment made for services' and 'based' meant 'founded on or having as a foundation'.

'fee' changed from the Old English word 'feoh' meaning 'money, property' and 'based' from the Old French 'basse', eventually forming the modern English term 'fee-based'.

Initially, 'fee' meant 'money or property', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a charge for services'.