foundations

foun-da-tions · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The structural bases upon which buildings rest, typically below ground level.

  2. 2.

    The fundamental principles or basis upon which something is built.

  3. 3.

    Multiple charitable or research organizations.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    shake to its foundations — to fundamentally destabilize something
  • •
    rock-solid foundations — an extremely stable base or basis

Related words

See also: found, foundation, founder, fundamental
Synonyms: bases, fundamentals, groundwork, underpinnings

Etymology

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