foundation

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.

“Foundation” is pronounced fown-DAY-shuhn (/ˌfaʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “foundation” used in a sentence: “Cracks appeared in the house's foundation after the earthquake.”

“Foundation” is a noun.

The word “foundation” comes from Latin. From Latin fundatio, "the act of founding," from fundare, "to lay a base.".

“Foundation” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Foundation” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the solid base that supports a building or structure.

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.

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.

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.

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.