found
- 01 A1 Beginner
v.the past tense of 'find' — you use this when you discovered something that was lost.
v.the past tense and past participle of the irregular verb 'find'.
Simple“I finally found my glasses under the sofa after searching for an hour.”
In context“The researchers found significant evidence of ancient settlements while excavating the site near the riverbank.”
PitfallI 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.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to start a new company, school, or organization.
v.to establish or set up an institution, organization, or city, often providing the initial funding or principles.
Simple“The university was founded over two hundred years ago by a local doctor.”
In context“The non-profit was founded on the principle that every child deserves access to clean water and basic education regardless of their background.”
PitfallThe 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'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to base an idea, belief, or system on something.
v.to base a claim, theory, or system on a particular set of facts or principles; often used in the passive voice.
Simple“Their relationship was founded on mutual respect and trust.”
In context“The legal argument was founded upon a strict interpretation of the constitution's original text.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to melt metal or glass and pour it into a shape.
v.to melt metal or glass and cast it into a specific shape or mould within an industrial context.
Simple“The factory used to found iron bells for churches across the country.”
In context“The artisan demonstrated how to found bronze using traditional methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
n.the food and a place to stay provided as part of a job.
n.the provision of food and lodging, typically as a non-monetary portion of a worker's compensation.
Simple“The farm workers were given a small wage plus found.”
In context“The contract specified that the apprentice would receive fifty pounds a year in addition to found and laundry services.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is rarely used today except in historical novels or specific legal contexts regarding domestic service.
Usage found dead' · found dead · found evidence
“We’d like to hear from people across the UK who have found it difficult to find work later in their careers.”
“A man is arrested after eight works by the French artist are found at a home in greater São Paulo.”
See find.
From Middle English founden, from Old French founder (Modern French: fonder), from Latin fundāre. Compare fund.
From Middle English founden, from Old French fondre, from Latin fundere. Cognate with Spanish fundir and hundir, and French fondre.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.