Weak bases are substances that can accept protons (H+ ions) but only partially dissociate in water. They do not completely ionize like strong bases such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Related terms
Acid-base reaction: A chemical reaction involving the transfer of protons from one substance (acid) to another substance (base).
Conjugate acid-base pair: Two species related by donating or accepting a proton. In an acid-base reaction, when one species loses a proton (becomes an acid), another species gains that proton and becomes its conjugate base.