# found

/ˈfaʊnd/ (US) · /fˈaʊnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/found
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. past tense of find

verb · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: the past tense and past participle of the irregular verb 'find'.

- I finally found my glasses under the sofa after searching for an hour.
- The researchers found significant evidence of ancient settlements while excavating the site near the riverbank.

### 2. to establish

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to start a new company, school, or organization.

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

- The university was founded over two hundred years ago by a local doctor.
- The non-profit was founded on the principle that every child deserves access to clean water and basic education regardless of their background.

### 3. to base on

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

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

- Their relationship was founded on mutual respect and trust.
- 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

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The factory used to found iron bells for churches across the country.
- The artisan demonstrated how to found bronze using traditional methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.

### 5. food and lodging

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

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

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

- The farm workers were given a small wage plus found.
- The contract specified that the apprentice would receive fifty pounds a year in addition to found and laundry services.

Teaching tip: This sense is rarely used today except in historical novels or specific legal contexts regarding domestic service.

## Examples

- She worked hard to found her own software company.
- The university was founded in 1850 to provide affordable education to the local community.
- While many startups fail within their first year, those founded on a clear social mission often demonstrate greater resilience during economic downturns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.