foundation

/faun'deiʃn/

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The word "foundation" is a noun that has several meanings and uses. Here's an easy explanation for you:

Basic Definition:

1. Starting Point: A foundation is the starting point or the base of something, like an idea, structure, or organization. It’s what something is built upon.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "foundation" in both literal and figurative contexts. When talking about buildings or structures, it refers to the physical base. In ideas or concepts, it refers to the fundamental principles or assumptions.

Examples:

1. Literal Use: "The foundation of the house is made of strong concrete." (This means the base that supports the house.)
2. Figurative Use: "Education is the foundation for a successful career." (This means education is the basic support for success in a career.)

Advanced Usage:

• In academic or professional contexts, "foundation" can refer to the basic principles or essential knowledge in a field. For example, "She has a strong foundation in mathematics."

Word Variants:

• Foundational (adjective): Relating to the basis or groundwork of something. Example: "Foundational skills in writing are important for success in college."
• Found (verb): To establish or create something. Example: "They plan to found a new charity to help the homeless."

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Base: The lowest part of a building that supports it. Example: "The building’s foundation was tested for strength."
2. Conceptual Base: The underlying principles or ideas. Example: "His arguments have no solid foundation."
3. Institution: An organization created to support a specific purpose. Example: "The foundation provides scholarships for students."

Synonyms:

• Base
• Groundwork
• Bedrock
• Underpinning
• Support

Idioms:

• "The foundation of (something)" can be used to refer to the essential elements that support a larger idea or project. Example: "Trust is the foundation of any good relationship."

Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific phrasal verbs that use "foundation," but it often appears in phrases like "lay the foundation," which means to establish a base for something.

Summary:

In summary, "foundation" is an important word that can refer to the base of a building, the core principles of an idea, or an established organization.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new
   • she looked forward to her initiation as an adult
   • the foundation of a new scientific society
2. a woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the body
3. the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
   • the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
4. education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge
   • he lacks the foundation necessary for advanced study
   • a good grounding in mathematics
5. lowest support of a structure
   • it was built on a base of solid rock
   • he stood at the foot of the tower
6. an institution supported by an endowment
7. the basis on which something is grounded
   • there is little foundation for his objections

Synonyms

• initiation
• founding
• institution
• origination
• creation
• innovation
• introduction
• instauration
• foundation garment
• basis
• base
• fundament
• groundwork
• cornerstone
• grounding
• foot
• substructure
• understructure