Word
founded
Phoneticsfound·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfaʊndɪd/
UK/fˈaʊndɪd/
Definitions
01started an organisation
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. started a company, school, or city that is still around today.
v. the past tense of 'found', meaning to establish or set up an institution, organisation, or settlement with provision for its future.
“The university was founded in 1850 by a group of local teachers.”
“The tech giant was founded in a small garage, eventually growing into a global corporation that redefined modern communication.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice when discussing the history of institutions.
Pitfall
He founded his keys under the sofa.
He found his keys under the sofa.
Do not confuse 'founded' (started an organisation) with 'found' (the past of 'find').
Synonyms
02based on facts
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. having a good reason or a solid base of facts.
adj. having a specified basis or foundation; frequently used in the negative 'unfounded' or with adverbs like 'well-founded'.
“Her fears were well-founded because the storm was getting much worse.”
“The committee concluded that the allegations were well-founded, supported by a significant volume of internal documentation and witness testimony.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the compound 'well-founded' to indicate a logical or factual basis.
Real-World Examples
“His father founded the party in 2011 and went on to govern Mexico as its president from 2018 to 2024.” “Meanwhile, Gurel writes, the Danone yogurt company was founded in early-twentieth-century Spain by an immigrant from the Ottoman Empire .” “Founded in 2019, Skims raised $225m in capital last year , valuing the company at $5bn.” “The remaining 53 were founded by smaller religious groups, such as the Lutheran and Universalist churches.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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