foundation
Americannoun
-
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.
- Synonyms:
- footing
- Antonyms:
- superstructure
-
the lowest division of a building, wall, or the like, usually of masonry and partly or wholly below the surface of the ground.
- Synonyms:
- footing
- Antonyms:
- superstructure
-
the act of founding, setting up, establishing, etc..
a policy in effect since the foundation.
- Synonyms:
- settlement, establishment
-
the state of being founded.
- Synonyms:
- settlement, establishment
-
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.
-
Solitaire. a card of given denomination on which other cards are to be added according to denomination or suit.
noun
-
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
-
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
-
cards a card on which a sequence may be built
Synonym Usage
See base 1.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of foundation
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English foundacioun, from Latin fundātiōn- (stem of fundātiō ), equivalent to fundāt(us) (past participle of fundāre; see found 1) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
A foundation is the base for something. You often hear about the structural foundations of buildings, but a good idea can also be the foundation of a successful business. In the simplest sense, foundations support something else. Friendship is the foundation of a good marriage, and many svelte figures rely on girdles (known to underwear specialists as a foundation garment). But foundations are also charitable organizations. And in cosmetics, foundation is gooey make-up that's supposed to match your skin tone.
Vocabulary lists containing foundation
Giving Words
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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6
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Essential English Vocabulary, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Sheeran previously visited the city to meet young rappers and performers after the launch of his foundation in the rest of the UK.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
Charlene Leroux, from late screen star Brigitte Bardot's foundation for animals, said local charities had done "incredible work" since the fires broke out last week.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
For Gen Zers wondering what the best places are to park their money, here are some critical ways they can build a solid financial foundation, according to experts.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 30, 2026
I propose a philosophy based on individual empowerment as the source of prosperity, invention as the primary purpose of superintelligence, and balance of power as the foundation of safety.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
The blocks turned out to be the pedestal, the steps, and the foundation that are going to sit under Cleopatra’s Needle.
From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman
Opposition representative Dinorah Figuera said the process aims to deliver the institutional foundations to call for an election by December this year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 1, 2026
For decades, the city of Los Angeles and private foundations have invested in preserving the towers, the 102-year-old masterpiece of folk art built by Italian immigrant Sabato “Simon” Rodia.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026
Disclosure: Simone Otus Coxe and The New York Times have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
From Salon ● Jul. 29, 2026
That gave him clear air and enabled the Dutchman to consolidate his race position in third place behind the McLarens, laying the foundations for Red Bull's late strategy call.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
“The foundations of this shrine have been eaten away over the centuries!”
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
