'process-based' is a compound of 'process' and 'based'. 'process' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'processus', where 'procedere' meant 'to go forward'; 'based' comes from the past participle of 'base', ultimately from Latin 'basis' (via Old French), where 'basis' meant 'foundation'.

'process' passed into Middle English from Latin (through Old French) as 'processe' and developed the sense of a series of actions; 'base' entered English via Old French from Latin/Greek ('basis'); the compound 'process-based' is a modern English formation (used mainly in the 20th century) combining these elements to describe something founded on procedures.

Initially, 'process' meant 'a going forward' or movement; over time it shifted to mean 'a series of actions or steps'. Consequently, 'process-based' evolved from a literal sense of 'founded on movement' to the current sense of 'founded on procedures or methods' and is now used to contrast with outcome- or product-based approaches.