Fuzzy basis functions (FBF's) which have the capability of combining both numerical data and linguistic information, are compared with other basis functions. Because a FBF network is different from other networks in that it is the only one that can combine numerical and linguistic information, comparisons are made when only numerical data is available. In particular, a FBF network is compared with a radial basis function (RBF) network from the viewpoint of function approximation. Their architectural interrelationships are discussed. Additionally, a RBF network, which is implemented using a regularization technique, is compared with a FBF network from the viewpoint of overcoming ill-posed problems. A FBF network is also compared with Specht's probabilistic neural network and his general regression neural network (GRNN) from an architectural point of view. A FBF network is also compared with a Gaussian sum approximation in which Gaussian functions play a central role. Finally, we summarize the architectural relationships between all the networks discussed in this paper. >