foundation
0 antonyms and opposites of foundation, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The solid base that supports a building or structure.
How to use foundation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin fundatio, "the act of founding," from fundare, "to lay a base."
Full origin of foundation →Frequently asked questions
What does “foundation” mean?
The word “foundation” means the solid base that supports a building or structure. In plain terms, the base something rests on — literally in a building, or figuratively in an idea, charity, or skincare routine.
How do you pronounce “foundation”?
“Foundation” is pronounced fown-DAY-shuhn (/ˌfaʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “foundation” in a sentence?
Here is “foundation” used in a sentence: “Cracks appeared in the house's foundation after the earthquake.”
What part of speech is “foundation”?
“Foundation” is a noun.
Where does the word “foundation” come from?
The word “foundation” comes from Latin. From Latin fundatio, "the act of founding," from fundare, "to lay a base.".
Is “foundation” a common word?
“Foundation” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “foundation” have?
“Foundation” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the solid base that supports a building or structure.
What is the difference between a foundation and a footing?
A footing is the widened base at the very bottom of a structure that spreads its weight onto the soil. The foundation is the wider system, including footings and foundation walls, that supports the whole building. In short, a footing is one important part of the overall foundation.
What are the types of building foundations?
The two broad categories are shallow foundations, such as slab-on-grade and strip footings used for lighter buildings, and deep foundations, such as piles and piers, used when firm soil lies well below the surface. The right choice depends on soil conditions and the load above.
Why is a foundation important?
The foundation carries the entire weight of a structure and transfers it safely to the ground. A solid foundation keeps a building stable, level, and resistant to shifting, settling, or cracking. Without one, walls and floors would sink or fail over time, endangering the whole structure.
What does "foundation" mean figuratively?
Beyond building, "foundation" means the basic principle or underlying support on which something rests, as in "a foundation of trust" or "the foundation of a good education." It can also name a charitable organization. Every sense shares the core idea of a base that holds something up.