Foundation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /fau̇n-ˈdā-shən/ foun·da·tion

Meaning & Definition of Foundation

Foundation (noun)

  1. the act of founding
  2. a basis (such as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported
  3. funds given for the permanent support of an institution, endowment

Foundation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a public organization with a particular purpose or function

    "donated to a foundation that supported cancer research"

    similar: establishment, institute, institution
    related: body, collective, group, corporation, enterprise, charity, philanthropy, think tank

  2. an immaterial thing upon which something else rests

    "she had a good enough foundation in math to pursue an economics degree"

    similar: base, basis, bedrock, bottom, cornerstone, footing, ground, groundwork, keystone, root, underpinning, warp, warp and woof
    related: anchorage, bed, brace, bulwark, buttress, framework, infrastructure, mount, prop, shore, stay, substratum, substructure, support, assumption, justification, premise, presumption, presupposition, rationale, supposition, theory, thesis, warrant, backbone, center, core, eye, focus, heart, hub, kernel, nucleus, seat, essence, quintessence, soul, touchstone

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Foundation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Foundation:

establishment, institute, institution, base, basis, bedrock, bottom, cornerstone, footing, ground, groundwork, keystone, root, underpinning, warp, warp and woof

Related Words for Foundation

body, collective, group, corporation, enterprise, charity, philanthropy, think tank, anchorage, bed, brace, bulwark, buttress, framework, infrastructure, mount, prop, shore, stay, substratum, substructure, support, assumption, justification, premise, presumption, presupposition, rationale, supposition, theory

Word Forms of Foundation

Derived words: foundationless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Foundation

Middle English fundacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French fundacion, borrowed from Latin fundātiōn-, fundātiō, from fundāre "to found:4" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Foundation

Words & Phrases Containing Foundation

foundation stone, lay a/the foundation, lay the groundwork/foundation

Frequently Asked Questions about Foundation

What does "Foundation" mean?

"Foundation" means the act of founding. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of founding. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Foundation"?

Other words for "Foundation" include establishment, institute, institution, base, basis, bedrock, bottom and cornerstone. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Foundation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Foundation"?

There are 62 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Foundation". Common alternatives include establishment, institute, institution, base, basis, bedrock, bottom, cornerstone, footing and ground.

How do you use "Foundation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Foundation" in a sentence: "donated to a foundation that supported cancer research"; "she had a good enough foundation in math to pursue an economics degree".

Is "Foundation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Foundation" is a noun.

Is "Foundation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Foundation" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Foundation"?

"Foundation" is pronounced /fau̇n-ˈdā-shən/ and divided into syllables as foun·da·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Foundation"?

"Foundation" comes from Middle English fundacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French fundacion, borrowed from Latin fundātiōn-, fundātiō, from fundāre "to found:4" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action. First known use: 14th century.