founded
- 01 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.
Simple“The university was founded in 1850 by a group of local teachers.”
In context“The tech giant was founded in a small garage, eventually growing into a global corporation that redefined modern communication.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice when discussing the history of institutions.
PitfallHe 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 - 02 C1 Advanced
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'.
Simple“Her fears were well-founded because the storm was getting much worse.”
In context“The committee concluded that the allegations were well-founded, supported by a significant volume of internal documentation and witness testimony.”
UsageCommonly appears in the compound 'well-founded' to indicate a logical or factual basis.
“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 .”