foundation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the strong part of a building that is under the ground and supports the weight of the walls.
the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure, typically made of concrete and situated below ground level.
Simple“The workers poured concrete into the trench to create a strong foundation for the new house.”
In context“Engineers discovered that the original foundation had shifted over the decades, necessitating expensive structural reinforcement before the renovation could proceed.”
UsageOften used in the plural ('foundations') when referring to the physical base of a large building.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a basic idea, principle, or fact that something else is based on.
the fundamental principle, theory, or data upon which a system of thought or an argument is established.
Simple“Respect and honesty are the foundation of a healthy relationship.”
In context“The researcher argued that the current economic model lacks a solid empirical foundation, leading to frequent and unpredictable market failures.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
an organization that is started with a large amount of money to help people or do research.
an endowed institution or charity established to provide funding or support for specific social, educational, or scientific purposes.
Simple“The foundation provides scholarships for students who want to study medicine.”
In context“The private foundation announced a multi-million dollar grant aimed at eradicating tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
a type of cream or powder put on the face to make the skin look smooth and even.
a skin-coloured cosmetic applied to the face to create an even, uniform colour and to cover flaws.
Simple“She applied a light layer of foundation before putting on her eye makeup.”
In context“The makeup artist selected a liquid foundation with yellow undertones to match the model's natural skin tone under the studio lights.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
the act of starting a new organization or system.
the formal act of establishing or beginning an institution, society, or system.
Simple“The city celebrated the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the university.”
In context“Since its foundation in 1945, the international body has struggled to balance the competing interests of its most powerful member states.”
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage foundation for future · foundation of trust · establish foundation
“Considering West Ham are favourites to go back up, this fortuitous lead should have been a foundation to build on, but little attempt was made to seek a second.”
“Harila is floored by this news, and sets up a foundation in his memory.”
From Middle English foundacioun, fundacioun, from Old French fondacion, from Latin fundātiō (“founding, foundation”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.