founded
Founded (adj) means having a solid basis or justification. Example: “Her concerns turned out to be well founded.”
How to Use Founded
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither set up/established, or, as an adjective, backed by good reason.
Word Forms
more founded comparative, most founded superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her concerns turned out to be well _____.
Related Words
Rhymes for founded
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “founded” mean?
The word “founded” means having a solid basis or justification. In plain terms, either set up/established, or, as an adjective, backed by good reason.
How do you pronounce “founded”?
“Founded” is pronounced FOWN-dihd (/ˈfaʊndɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “founded” in a sentence?
Here is “founded” used in a sentence: “Her concerns turned out to be well founded.”
What part of speech is “founded”?
Depending on how it is used, “founded” can be an adjective and a verb.
Is “founded” a common word?
“Founded” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “founded” have?
“Founded” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a solid basis or justification.
What is the difference between 'founded' and 'unfounded'?
They are opposites. Something 'founded' rests on solid evidence or good reason, so a well-founded concern is one backed by facts. 'Unfounded' means the opposite: a claim or fear with no real basis, not supported by evidence. Calling a rumour unfounded says it has nothing genuine to stand on.
What is an example of 'founded' used this way?
It usually appears with 'on' or 'upon': 'an argument founded on solid research,' 'a reputation founded on trust,' or 'fears founded in real experience.' In each case the word signals that the thing has a firm, justifiable base rather than resting on guesswork, opinion, or hearsay.
Does 'founded' always mean 'established'?
Not in this sense. 'Founded' can mean set up or established, as in 'the company was founded in 1900,' but here it means having a solid basis, as in 'well-founded' or 'founded on evidence.' The two senses share a root idea of a foundation, and context shows which is meant.