foundation
fown-DAY-shuhn
Foundation (noun) means the solid base that supports a building or structure. Example: “Builders poured concrete to make a strong foundation before raising any walls.”
noun
1
The solid base that supports a building or structure.
"Builders poured concrete to make a strong foundation before raising any walls."
"The old barn has a weak foundation, so it leans slightly."
"Cracks appeared in the house's foundation after the earthquake."
2
The basic principles or ideas that something is built upon.
"Good manners are the foundation of a friendly, respectful classroom."
"Trust is the foundation of any good relationship."
"The course covers the foundations of economics."
3
An organization set up and funded to support a charitable or educational cause.
"The foundation gives grants to young musicians who cannot afford lessons."
"She works for a foundation that provides books to rural schools."
"The foundation donates millions each year to medical research."
4
A makeup product applied to even out skin tone.
"She dabbed on some foundation before heading out."
"I need a foundation that matches my skin, not one that looks orange."
"The make-up artist smoothed foundation over her face with a damp sponge."
How to use foundation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe base something rests on — literally in a building, or figuratively in an idea, charity, or skincare routine.
Common pairings
lay the foundation
charitable foundation
apply foundation
solid foundation
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Word forms
- Plural
- foundations
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Builders poured concrete to make a strong _____ before raising any walls.
Etymology
From Latin fundatio, "the act of founding," from fundare, "to lay a base."
Synonyms
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base
footing
groundwork
bedrock
underpinning
substructure
support
basis
foot
creation
introduction
institution
Related words
Rhymes for foundation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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