FOUNDATION


Meaning of FOUNDATION in English

/ faʊnˈdeɪʃn; NAmE / noun

1.

[ C , usually pl. ] a layer of bricks, concrete, etc. that forms the solid underground base of a building :

The builders are now beginning to lay the foundations of the new school.

The explosion shook the foundations of the houses nearby.

➡ note at bottom

2.

[ C , U ] a principle, an idea or a fact that sth is based on and that it grows from :

Respect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage.

The rumour is totally without foundation (= not based on any facts) .

These stories have no foundation (= are not based on any facts) .

➡ note at basis

3.

[ C ] an organization that is established to provide money for a particular purpose, for example for scientific research or charity :

The money will go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

4.

[ U ] the act of starting a new institution or organization

SYN establishment :

The organization has grown enormously since its foundation in 1955.

5.

[ U ] a skin-coloured cream that is put on the face underneath other make-up

IDIOMS

- shake / rock the foundations of sth | shake / rock sth to its foundations

••

WORD ORIGIN

late Middle English : from Old French fondation , from Latin fundatio(n-) , from fundare to lay a base for, from fundus bottom, base.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.