Found
faʊnd
Definitions
3 meaningsTo discover something, often unexpectedly or by chance.
faʊnd
To discover or come across something unexpectedly.
I found my keys under the couch.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're looking for your favorite toy, and suddenly you see it! 'Found' means you discovered something you were looking for (or something you weren't!).
👶 For kids: To see or get something that you were looking for, like finding a toy.
More Examples
She found a beautiful seashell on the beach.
The explorers found a hidden cave.
How It's Used
"They found a lost dog in the park."
"Archaeologists found ancient artifacts during the excavation."
"Scientists found a new species of insect in the rainforest."
To establish or set up an institution or organization.
faʊnd
To establish or create something, especially an institution or organization.
The city was founded by the Romans.
💡 Simply: Like building a house, founding something means creating it from scratch. For example, founding a club means starting the club.
👶 For kids: To start something, like making a club or building a house.
More Examples
She founded a non-profit organization to help the homeless.
He founded the company with a small investment.
How It's Used
"He founded a successful tech company."
"The university was founded in 1850."
"They founded a charity to help children."
Discovered or came across something.
faʊnd
Past tense and past participle of 'find'.
I found the book yesterday.
💡 Simply: This is just the 'past tense' of 'find' – meaning something that happened already. If you 'found' your book, it means you already discovered it.
👶 For kids: When you already found something.
More Examples
We found a map in the attic.
They found the missing person.
How It's Used
"She found a solution to the problem."
"He found solace in the silence of the forest."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to be found wanting
To be judged as inadequate or insufficient.
"His performance was found wanting during the final exam."
From Old French *funder* (to establish, lay the foundation), ultimately from Latin *fundare* (to found, establish), related to *fundus* (bottom, foundation).
Historically, 'found' has been used in both the sense of discovering and establishing, with its usage tracing back to Old English and Old French roots.
Memory tip
Imagine finding your lost keys – you discover them!
Word Origin
"to found, establish; relating to *fundus* (foundation)"