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.

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