Langimage
English

foundations

|foun/da/tions|

B2

/faʊnˈdeɪʃənz/

(foundation)

base or groundwork

Base FormPlural
foundationfoundations
Etymology
Etymology Information

'foundation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'fundatio,' where 'fundare' meant 'to lay a base for.'

Historical Evolution

'fundatio' transformed into the Old French word 'fondation,' and eventually became the modern English word 'foundation' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to lay a base for something,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.

The foundations of the house were laid last week.

Synonyms

Noun 2

an underlying basis or principle for something.

The theory has its foundations in early 20th-century physics.

Synonyms

Noun 3

the action of establishing an institution or organization.

The foundation of the charity was in 1990.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45