founder
n. · v.-
1 person who starts something (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatesomeone who starts a new company, organization, or school.
one who establishes or creates an institution, company, or organization.
ExampleThe founder of the tech company started the business in his garage.
ExampleThe university's founder donated a significant portion of his private estate to ensure the library remained open to the public.
- creator
- establisher
- originator
-
2 metal worker (n.) C2 Proficiency Technicala person who works with hot metal and pours it into shapes.
a person who casts metal in a foundry.
ExampleThe master founder carefully poured the liquid bronze into the statue's mold.
ExampleThe industrial museum features a preserved workshop where a skilled founder once produced intricate iron gates for the city.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 to fail (v.) C1 Advanced Formalto fail or break down completely.
to experience complete failure or to break down; often used of plans, negotiations, or relationships.
ExampleThe peace talks foundered because neither side wanted to compromise.
ExampleThe ambitious project foundered on a lack of funding and a series of logistical errors that the management failed to address.
UsageThe verb is intransitive and often takes the preposition 'on'.
From Old French fondeur, from Latin fundātor, equivalent to found + -er.
From Middle French fondeur, from Latin fundo (“pour, melt, cast”).
From Middle French fondrer (“send to the bottom”), from Latin fundus (“bottom”).