foundation [foun-dey -shuh n]
Synonyms Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for foundation on Thesaurus.com the basis or groundwork of anything: the moral foundation of both society and religion. the natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests. the lowest division of a building, wall, or the like, usually of masonry and partly or wholly below the surface of the ground. the act of founding , setting up, establishing, etc.: a policy in effect since the foundation. the state of being founded . an institution financed by a donation or legacy to aid research, education, the arts, etc.: the Ford Foundation. an endowment for such an institution. a cosmetic, as a cream or liquid, used as a base for facial makeup. foundation garment . Solitaire a card of given denomination on which other cards are to be added according to denomination or suit. Show More
Origin of foundation 1350–1400; Middle English foundacioun <
Latin fundātiōn- (stem of
fundātiō ), equivalent to
fundāt(us ) (past participle of
fundāre; see
found2 ) +
-iōn- -ion Related forms foun·da·tion·al , adjective foun·da·tion·al·ly , adverb foun·da·tion·ar·y , adjective pre·foun·da·tion , noun Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for foundation infrastructure ,
groundwork ,
support ,
authority ,
base ,
bedrock ,
institute ,
corporation ,
company ,
society ,
organization ,
establishment ,
endowment ,
association ,
charity ,
heart ,
footing ,
justification ,
bottom ,
nitty-gritty Examples from the Web for foundation Contemporary Examples of foundation These two videos rest atop bookmarked links to The Jeffrey Epstein Foundation .
Vital Voices in 2013 took over funds from the Women In The World foundation which originated at The Daily Beast.
When I called, the Jackie Joyner Kersey Foundation answered.
"They left here about a week ago," a man at the foundation said.
The foundation , named after her mother, provides financial help to needy families that are infertile.
Historical Examples of foundation But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man's wisdom.
"Look at the way that foundation 's put in," said the old man in a loud voice.
It has been determined, however, that this belief has no foundation .
God forbid that I—But no happiness is built on a foundation of wrong.
Let us see if there is any foundation for this sentimental balderdash.
British Dictionary definitions for foundation that on which something is founded; basis (often plural) a construction below the ground that distributes the load of a building, wall, etc the base on which something stands the act of founding or establishing or the state of being founded or established an endowment or legacy for the perpetual support of an institution such as a school or hospital on the foundation entitled to benefit from the funds of a foundation an institution supported by an endowment, often one that provides funds for charities, research, etc the charter incorporating or establishing a society or institution and the statutes or rules governing its affairs a cosmetic in cream or cake form used as a base for make-up See foundation garment cards a card on which a sequence may be built Show More
Derived Forms foundational , adjective foundationally , adverb foundationary , adjective Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for foundation n. late 14c., "action of founding," from Old French fondacion (14c.) or directly from Latin fundationem (nominative fundatio ) "a founding," noun of action from past participle stem of fundare (see found (v.1)). The Latin word is glossed in Old English by staþol . Meaning "that which is founded" (a college, hospital, etc.) is from 1510s; meaning "funds endowed" is early 15c. Sense of "solid base of a structure" is from late 15c.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
The basis on which something stands or is supported; a base. Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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