In Portuguese we say à luz de, which is close to based on, but more sophisticated. It is mostly used in academic writings. I'd translate it as in the light of, but I know we can hardly ever translate idioms. Here's a sentence it might apply:
He developed his ideas in the light of Einstein's work.
Can I use this? If not, then could you tell me some ways to say this? Thanks.
Certainly:
in the light of
There is no great difference in in the light of and à luz de,
But in English your sentence might better be written:
In the light of Einstein's work, he developed his ideas.
A similar idiom in English in light of , generally means "given the fact(or facts) of":
In light of his confession, he had little defense.
"in the light of something (British & Australian)
also in light of something (American & Australian)
If something is done or happens in the light of facts, it is done or happens because of those facts.
In the light of new evidence he has been allowed to appeal against his prison sentence.
In light of what you've just told me, I can understand why you and David were fighting."
