26984 words

foundation

15 definitions • 18 examples
1
an occasion when an organization, state, etc. is established:

Examples:

the foundation of a new state
2
an organization that has been created in order to provide money for a particular group of people in need of help or for a particular type of study:

Examples:

the British Heart Foundation
the Environmental Research Foundation
3
the first year of infant school, previously known as reception:

Examples:

a foundation class/teacher
Her youngest child starts (in) foundation in September.
4
the structures below the surface of the ground that support a building:

Examples:

The foundations will have to be reinforced to prevent the house from sinking further into the ground.
5
an idea or fact that something is based on
6
to be untrue:

Examples:

These allegations are completely without foundation.
7
a type of make-up that is spread over the skin of the face, usually before other make-up is put on, giving it a better and more even colour and hiding unwanted marks
8
the base that is built below the surface of the ground to support a building:

Examples:

a concrete foundation
fig. The two leaders have laid the foundations of a new era of cooperation between their countries.
9
the act of establishing an organization, state, etc.:

Examples:

The foundation of the children’s home was made possible by a generous contributor.
10
a fact, idea, etc. that provides support for something:

Examples:

These charges are completely without foundation (= false).
11
an organization that has been established to provide financial support for activities and groups that are useful or helpful:

Examples:

the Ford Foundation
12
an organization that has been started in order to provide money for a particular group of people or for a particular type of research:

Examples:

He gave £1m to set up a charitable foundation to help vulnerable young people.
13
the act of starting a new business, organization, etc.:

Examples:

He helped lead the company out of its worst crisis since its foundation over a hundred years ago.
14
the structures below the surface of the ground which support a building:

Examples:

The foundations will have to be reinforced to prevent the house from sinking further into the ground.
15
the basic ideas or structures from which something important develops:

Examples:

the foundations of sth One of the foundations of democracy is a fair trial.
lay/establish/build the foundations for sth The company says it is 'laying the foundations for future success'.

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