# foundation

/faʊnˈdeɪʃən/ (US) · /faʊndˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. building base

noun · CEFR B2

the strong part of a building that is under the ground and supports the weight of the walls.

For teachers: the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure, typically made of concrete and situated below ground level.

- The workers poured concrete into the trench to create a strong foundation for the new house.
- Engineers discovered that the original foundation had shifted over the decades, necessitating expensive structural reinforcement before the renovation could proceed.

Usage: Often used in the plural ('foundations') when referring to the physical base of a large building.

### 2. basis of an idea

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a basic idea, principle, or fact that something else is based on.

For teachers: the fundamental principle, theory, or data upon which a system of thought or an argument is established.

- Respect and honesty are the foundation of a healthy relationship.
- The researcher argued that the current economic model lacks a solid empirical foundation, leading to frequent and unpredictable market failures.

### 3. charitable organization

noun · CEFR B2

an organization that is started with a large amount of money to help people or do research.

For teachers: an endowed institution or charity established to provide funding or support for specific social, educational, or scientific purposes.

- The foundation provides scholarships for students who want to study medicine.
- The private foundation announced a multi-million dollar grant aimed at eradicating tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

### 4. makeup

noun · CEFR B2

a type of cream or powder put on the face to make the skin look smooth and even.

For teachers: a skin-coloured cosmetic applied to the face to create an even, uniform colour and to cover flaws.

- She applied a light layer of foundation before putting on her eye makeup.
- The makeup artist selected a liquid foundation with yellow undertones to match the model's natural skin tone under the studio lights.

### 5. the act of starting

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of starting a new organization or system.

For teachers: the formal act of establishing or beginning an institution, society, or system.

- The city celebrated the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the university.
- Since its foundation in 1945, the international body has struggled to balance the competing interests of its most powerful member states.

## Examples

- The workers are pouring concrete for the house foundation.
- A solid understanding of grammar provides the foundation for learning a new language effectively.
- The structural integrity of the skyscraper was compromised when engineers discovered that the foundation had been laid on unstable, sandy soil without sufficient reinforcement.

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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.