foundation

[ foun-dey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the basis or groundwork of anything:

   the moral foundation of both society and religion.

2. the natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests.

   Synonyms: footing

   Antonyms: superstructure

3. the lowest division of a building, wall, or the like, usually of masonry and partly or wholly below the surface of the ground.

   Synonyms: footing

   Antonyms: superstructure

4. the act of founding, found, setting up, establishing, etc.:

   a policy in effect since the foundation.

   Synonyms: settlement, establishment

5. the state of being founded. found.

   Synonyms: settlement, establishment

6. an institution financed by a donation or legacy to aid research, education, the arts, etc.:

   the Ford Foundation.

7. an endowment for such an institution.
8. a cosmetic, as a cream or liquid, used as a base for facial makeup.
9. foundation garment.
10. Solitaire. a card of given denomination on which other cards are to be added according to denomination or suit.

foundation

/ faʊnˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. that on which something is founded; basis
2. often plural a construction below the ground that distributes the load of a building, wall, etc
3. the base on which something stands
4. the act of founding or establishing or the state of being founded or established
5. 1. an endowment or legacy for the perpetual support of an institution such as a school or hospital
   2. entitled to benefit from the funds of a foundation
6. an institution supported by an endowment, often one that provides funds for charities, research, etc
7. the charter incorporating or establishing a society or institution and the statutes or rules governing its affairs
8. a cosmetic in cream or cake form used as a base for make-up
9. See foundation garment
10. cards a card on which a sequence may be built

Derived Forms

• founˈdational, adjective
• founˈdationally, adverb
• founˈdationary, adjective

Other Words From

• foun·da·tion·al adjective
• pre·foun·da·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of foundation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English foundacioun, from Latin fundātiōn- (stem of fundātiō ), equivalent to fundāt(us) (past participle of fundāre; found ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Synonym Study

See base ¹.

Example Sentences

In July 2023, the Captain Tom Foundation announced it was not actively seeking donations or making payments, but the foundation has not been closed down.

From BBC

The Dodgers have shown they have the money, and the smarts, and everything else required to sign the cornerstones who can keep the championship foundation strong.

From Los Angeles Times

A government spokesperson said it had taken "tough decisions to fix the foundations" so that a £22bn boost for the NHS and social care could be announced in October's Budget.

From BBC

The Treasury told the BBC the government "had to make difficult choices to fix the foundations of the country".

From BBC

Shankly laid the foundations for Liverpool's future success, taking them from the second tier to win three English titles, two FA Cups and the Uefa Cup.

From BBC

Related Words

• association
• charity
• company
• corporation
• endowment
• establishment
• institute
• organization
• society