foundation
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
The solid base or underlying support on which something is built or established, either physically or abstractly.
An organization established to provide financial support for a particular cause, often charitable or educational; the act of founding something; a cosmetic applied to the face to create an even base.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term can refer to a literal physical substructure (e.g., of a building), an abstract basis (e.g., of knowledge or a relationship), or an institutional body. The institutional sense often implies philanthropy, research, or education. The cosmetic sense is a specific, common metaphorical extension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily spelling differences in derivatives (e.g., 'foundational' vs. 'foundational' - same spelling). The core noun is identical. In institutional contexts, both use 'foundation' equally for charitable trusts.
Connotations
Identical across both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. The cosmetic sense is universal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + the foundation (lay/establish/build on/shake)foundation + [preposition] + [noun] (foundation for peace/foundation of trust)foundation + [verb] (foundation provides/supports/cracks)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shake/rock something to its foundations”
- “be without foundation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the fundamental principles or financial base of a company. 'We need to get the business model right—that's the foundation for future growth.'
Academic
Refers to theoretical or knowledge bases. 'His research provided the foundation for modern genetics.'
Everyday
Most commonly refers to a cosmetic or the base of a building. 'I need to buy a new bottle of foundation.' / 'The builders are pouring the foundation tomorrow.'
Technical
(Construction) The load-bearing part of a structure below ground. (Cosmetology) A skin-toned base makeup.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The university was founded on principles of accessible education.
- The movement was founded by a group of veterans.
American English
- The tech company was founded in a Silicon Valley garage.
- The town was founded by pioneers in the 1850s.
adverb
British English
- The theory is foundationally unsound.
- Their argument was foundationally weak.
American English
- The plan is foundationally flawed.
- He approached the problem foundationally.
adjective
British English
- The foundational text for the course is Smith's 'Wealth of Nations'.
- These are foundational concepts in physics.
American English
- A foundational document of the U.S. is the Constitution.
- The study provided foundational data for the project.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This house has a strong foundation.
- She uses foundation on her face.
- The charity is run by a large foundation.
- Trust is the foundation of a good friendship.
- The scandal rocked the political party to its foundations.
- We need to lay a solid financial foundation before expanding.
- The philosophical foundations of his argument were deconstructed by the critic.
- The research grant was awarded by the Wellcome Foundation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FOUNDation: it's what you've FOUND and decided to build everything else upon.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/RELATIONSHIPS/ORGANIZATIONS ARE BUILDINGS (requires a solid foundation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'фонд' for all meanings. 'Фонд' is correct for the organization (charitable foundation), but for the 'base' meaning, use 'основа', 'основание', 'фундамент'. The cosmetic is 'тонирующее средство' or 'тон/фундамент' (informal).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'base' and 'foundation' interchangeably in technical construction contexts (foundation is specifically the underground part). Confusing 'foundation' (noun) with 'to found' (verb) in tense. Incorrect: 'The company was foundation in 1999.' Correct: 'The company was founded in 1999.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'foundation' used in its cosmetic sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. It is countable when referring to an organization or a physical base (e.g., 'three charitable foundations', 'the foundations of the buildings'). It is often uncountable in abstract senses (e.g., 'a theory without foundation').
While often synonymous, 'foundation' implies a deeper, more fundamental, and often hidden layer of support, especially for buildings (the underground part). 'Base' is broader and can refer to any bottom part or starting point. An idea can have a solid 'base' or 'foundation', but a building's 'foundation' is more specific than its 'base'.
No. The related verb is 'to found' (meaning to establish). 'Foundation' is solely a noun. Common error: 'The city was foundation in 1800' (incorrect). Correct: 'The city was founded in 1800.'
In education, it is a preparatory course providing the essential basic knowledge required for a higher-level degree program, often for students who need additional academic preparation.