foundation
/ˌfaʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃən/
Frequency: 4.81 in modern English
Meaning
noun
That upon which anything is founded; that on which anything stands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; underbuilding.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
The result of the work to begin something; that which stabilizes and allows an enterprise or system to develop.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
In solitaire or patience games, one of the piles of cards that the player attempts to build, usually holding all cards of a suit in ascending order.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
The lowest and supporting part or member of a wall, including the base course and footing courses; in a frame house, the whole substructure of masonry.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
That which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity.
Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "The foundation of his institute has been wrought with difficulty."
- "Aye Madam to be sure that is the Provoking circumstance—without Foundation—yes yes—there's the mortification indeed—for when a slanderous story is believed against one—there certainly is no comfort like the consciousness of having deserved it——"
- "Since the launch early last year of […] two Silicon Valley start-ups offering free education through MOOCs, massive open online courses, the ivory towers of academia have been shaken to their foundations. University brands built in some cases over centuries have been forced to contemplate the possibility that information technology will rapidly make their existing business model obsolete."
- "The implication is that the Gandhian model of growth is possible, now that Nehru's investment strategy had already laid a strong foundation for economic growth."
- "The foundations of this construction have been laid out."
- "“Marge Gets A Job” opens with the foundation of the Simpson house tilting perilously to one side, making the family homestead look like the suburban equivalent of the Leaning Tower Of Pisa."
Etymology
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: *ǵʰewd-, foundacioun, fondacion, fundātiō
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˌfaʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃən/
- British English: /ˌfaʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃən/