What does "found" mean?

1. (past tense of find) the past tense of 'find' — you use this when you discovered something that was lost. 2. (to establish) to start a new company, school, or organization. 3. (to base on) to base an idea, belief, or system on something. 4. (to melt and cast) to melt metal or glass and pour it into a shape. 5. (food and lodging) the food and a place to stay provided as part of a job.

How do you use "found"?

Usually takes the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.

Is it correct to say "I have found the keys yesterday."?

No — say "I found the keys yesterday.". Use the simple past 'found' for a finished time in the past like 'yesterday'. Use 'have found' for an unfinished time.

Is it correct to say "The company was finded in 1990."?

No — say "The company was founded in 1990.". When you mean 'to start an organization', the verb is 'found' and its past form is 'founded'.

found

v. · n.

US //ˈfaʊnd// UK //fˈaʊnd// found

1 past tense of find (v.)
A1 Beginner

the past tense of 'find' — you use this when you discovered something that was lost.

the past tense and past participle of the irregular verb 'find'.

Example

I finally found my glasses under the sofa after searching for an hour.

Example

The researchers found significant evidence of ancient settlements while excavating the site near the riverbank.
- discovered
- located
- lost
Pitfall

I have found the keys yesterday.

I found the keys yesterday.

Use the simple past 'found' for a finished time in the past like 'yesterday'. Use 'have found' for an unfinished time.
2 to establish (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to start a new company, school, or organization.

to establish or set up an institution, organization, or city, often providing the initial funding or principles.

Example

The university was founded over two hundred years ago by a local doctor.

Example

The non-profit was founded on the principle that every child deserves access to clean water and basic education regardless of their background.
- establish
- set up
- institute
- dissolve
- liquidate
Pitfall

The company was finded in 1990.

The company was founded in 1990.

When you mean 'to start an organization', the verb is 'found' and its past form is 'founded'.

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3 to base on (v.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

to base an idea, belief, or system on something.

to base a claim, theory, or system on a particular set of facts or principles; often used in the passive voice.

Example

Their relationship was founded on mutual respect and trust.

Example

The legal argument was founded upon a strict interpretation of the constitution's original text.

Usage

Usually takes the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.
4 to melt and cast (v.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

to melt metal or glass and pour it into a shape.

to melt metal or glass and cast it into a specific shape or mould within an industrial context.

Example

The factory used to found iron bells for churches across the country.

Example

The artisan demonstrated how to found bronze using traditional methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.
5 food and lodging (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic

the food and a place to stay provided as part of a job.

the provision of food and lodging, typically as a non-monetary portion of a worker's compensation.

Example

The farm workers were given a small wage plus found.

Example

The contract specified that the apprentice would receive fifty pounds a year in addition to found and laundry services.

Teacher's tip

This sense is rarely used today except in historical novels or specific legal contexts regarding domestic service.
- board
- lodging

Etymology 1

See find.

Etymology 2

From Middle English founden, from Old French founder (Modern French: fonder), from Latin fundāre. Compare fund.

Etymology 3

From Middle English founden, from Old French fondre, from Latin fundere. Cognate with Spanish fundir and hundir, and French fondre.

Idioms3 entries