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found

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈfaʊnd// UK //fˈaʊnd// found Academic General-service

v. to start an organization, company, or city by providing the money or the basic ideas. You use this when someone creates something meant to last for a long time.

v. to establish or set up an institution, organization, or settlement on a firm basis. Often implies providing the necessary funds or foundational principles.


SIMPLE

She worked hard to found her own software company.

CONTEXTUAL

The university was founded in 1850 to provide affordable education to the local community.

COMPLEX

While many startups fail within their first year, those founded on a clear social mission often demonstrate greater resilience during economic downturns.

Synonyms
Antonyms
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.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. Not to be confused with 'found' as the past tense of 'find'.

Pitfall

The city was finded in 1700.The city was founded in 1700.Learners often confuse the base verb 'found' (to start) with the past tense of 'find'. The past tense of 'found' is 'founded'.

Idioms3 entries

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