Foundation
faʊnˈdeɪʃən
Definitions
3 meaningsThe lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level; the basis or groundwork of something.
faʊnˈdeɪʃən
The base or groundwork of something.
The architect inspected the foundation before approving the construction.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego castle. The foundation is the first part you build, the part that all the other Legos stand on. It's the base that keeps everything from falling down. It's also used metaphorically; so, if you don't have a good foundation of knowledge, it will be difficult to master the subject.
👶 For kids: The part of a building that is under the ground and holds everything up, like the feet of a giant.
More Examples
Strong ethical principles formed the foundation of the company's success.
A good education provides a solid foundation for future learning.
The foundation of the bridge needed repair.
How It's Used
"The foundation of the building was made of concrete."
"Trust is the foundation of a strong relationship."
An organization or institution founded for charitable, educational, or other benevolent purposes; a basis for something.
faʊnˈdeɪʃən
An organization.
The Rockefeller Foundation funds various global health initiatives.
💡 Simply: It's like a special club or group that's made to help people or support a good cause. Sometimes, rich people or companies set them up to give money away. Like, 'The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation' is a group of people who give money to help improve health and education all over the world.
👶 For kids: A group of people who work to help others, like a superhero team for good causes.
More Examples
She decided to donate to a foundation that supports animal welfare.
The foundation's mission is to promote literacy among children.
The local foundation provided grants to small businesses.
How It's Used
"The charity received a grant from a private foundation."
"The company established a foundation to fund research."
A cosmetic used to create a smooth, even complexion.
faʊnˈdeɪʃən
Cosmetics
She chose a foundation that matched her skin tone perfectly.
💡 Simply: Foundation is like the base coat for your face! If you're wearing makeup, it's what you put on first to make your skin look smooth and even. It's like a painter using primer before painting a canvas, so they can apply the final colors.
👶 For kids: The paint you put on your face to make it look smooth and the same color.
More Examples
The makeup artist applied foundation with a sponge.
Good foundation helps to create a flawless base.
Wearing foundation can cover blemishes.
How It's Used
"She applied foundation to her face for a smoother complexion."
Synonyms
Base
Basis
Footing
Association
Charity
Endowment
Complexion
Idioms & expressions
lay the foundation for
To create the basis for something; to establish the groundwork for something to happen.
"The early researchers laid the foundation for modern genetics."
From Old French fondacion, from Latin fundatio (“a laying of a base, foundation”), from fundare (“to lay a base”).
The term 'foundation' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of founding or establishing something.
Memory tip
Think of the solid base of a house – the foundation that holds everything up.