Definition

1. Noun:
   • The lowest supporting part or base of a structure: The solid foundation upon which something is built or rests.
   • The buttocks: The fleshy part of the human body that one sits on; the posterior.
   • A basic principle or underlying foundation: A fundamental assumption or basis from which something begins or is developed.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Base of a structure):

  • The ancient temple's fundament was constructed from massive stone blocks.
  • Engineers inspected the fundament of the bridge for any signs of erosion.

• Noun (Buttocks):

  • He slipped on the ice and landed squarely on his fundament.
  • (Informal/Humorous) The toddler's muddy fundament was evidence of her adventure in the garden.

• Noun (Basic principle):

  • The entire philosophical theory rests on a single, unproven fundament.
  • Respect for individual rights is the fundament of a democratic society.

Advanced Usage

• "To be without fundament": To lack a solid foundation or basis.
  • His elaborate conspiracy theory was entirely without fundament.
• Used in formal or technical contexts (e.g., architecture, philosophy) more often than in everyday conversation for its "foundation" meanings. The anatomical meaning is considered formal, technical, or humorous.

Variants and Related Words

• Fundamental (adj): Of central importance; forming a necessary base or core.
  • Freedom of speech is a fundamental right.
• Fundamentally (adv): In a central or basic way.
  • The two proposals are fundamentally different.
• Foundation (n): A close synonym for the "base" and "principle" meanings of .

Synonyms

• For "base of a structure": Foundation, base, bottom, footing, groundwork.
• For "buttocks": Buttocks, posterior, seat, behind, rear, butt (informal).
• For "basic principle": Basis, cornerstone, bedrock, groundwork, premise.

Related Phrases

• "Shake to its fundament": To profoundly disturb or threaten the very foundation of something.
  • The scandal shook the company to its fundament.
• "From the fundament up": From the very foundation or beginning.
  • After the fire, they had to rebuild the house from the fundament up.

Noun

1. lowest support of a structure
   • it was built on a base of solid rock
   • he stood at the foot of the tower
2. the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
   • he deserves a good kick in the butt
   • are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?
3. the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
   • the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture