foundation

/faun'deiʃn/
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foundation

The foundation of the new library was laid with a ceremonial stone.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The act of establishing or creating something for the first time: The process of starting an institution, organization, or system.
    • The lowest load-bearing part of a structure; a base or groundwork: The solid layer or structure upon which a building is constructed.
    • An underlying basis or principle for something: A fundamental idea, fact, or assumption that supports a theory, argument, or belief.
    • An institution established with an endowment to provide funding for charitable, educational, or research purposes: An organization that manages and distributes funds for specific causes.
    • A woman's supporting undergarment, such as a corset or girdle: A piece of clothing worn to shape the figure. (This meaning is now less common.)
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The foundation of the university dates back to the 15th century. (The act of establishing the university)
    • The builders poured a concrete foundation for the new house. (The base of the structure)
    • Respect and trust form the foundation of a strong relationship. (The underlying basis)
    • The research was funded by a charitable foundation. (An endowed institution)
    • Her dress required a special foundation garment. (A shaping undergarment)
Advanced Usage
  • "To lay the foundation(s) for something": To create the necessary conditions for something to develop in the future.
    • His early work laid the foundation for modern physics.
  • "To shake/rock something to its foundations": To fundamentally challenge or threaten the core principles of an institution or belief system.
    • The scandal rocked the company to its foundations.
  • "Without foundation": Having no basis in fact or evidence; groundless.
    • The rumors about his resignation are without foundation.
Variants and Related Words
  • Found (verb): To establish or set up, especially with provision for continuing existence. (e.g., )
  • Founder (noun): A person who establishes an institution or settlement. (e.g., )
  • Foundational (adjective): Of or forming a foundation; fundamental. (e.g., )
  • Well-founded (adjective): Based on good evidence or reasons. (e.g., )
Synonyms
  • Basis: The underlying support or foundation for an idea, argument, or process.
  • Groundwork: Preliminary or basic work that serves as a foundation.
  • Cornerstone: An important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based.
  • Institution: An organization founded for a religious, educational, professional, or social purpose.
Related Phrases
  • Foundation stone: A stone laid at a ceremony to mark the founding of a building. (Often used figuratively)
    • Fairness is the foundation stone of our legal system.
  • On a sound/secure/firm foundation: Based on reliable principles or a strong base.
    • Their partnership is built on a firm foundation of mutual respect.
foundation

The foundation of the new library was laid with a ceremonial stone.

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