foundation

foun-da-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The lowest supporting part of a building, typically below ground level.

  2. 2.

    An underlying basis or principle; the groundwork for something.

  3. 3.

    An organization established to provide funding for charitable, educational, or research purposes.

  4. 4.

    The action of establishing an institution or organization.

  5. 5.

    A cream or powder applied to the face as a base for other cosmetics.

Forms

plural: foundations

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lay the foundation — to establish the basis for something
  • •
    shake the foundations — to fundamentally challenge or destabilize
  • •
    without foundation — lacking basis in fact

Related words

See also: base, found, foundations, founder
Synonyms: base, basis, establishment, groundwork

Etymology

From Latin fundatio ("a founding"), from fundare ("to lay the bottom, establish"), from fundus ("bottom, base").