foundation
/faun'deiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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.
Noun
- 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
- a woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the body
- the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
- the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
- education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge
- he lacks the foundation necessary for advanced study
- a good grounding in mathematics
- lowest support of a structure
- it was built on a base of solid rock
- he stood at the foot of the tower
- an institution supported by an endowment
- the basis on which something is grounded
- there is little foundation for his objections