A foundation is the essential base that provides the necessary support for everything built upon it.
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- The solid base supporting a building or structure.
- The fundamental principles or basis of an idea.
- An organization established to provide funding for specific causes.
Overview
'Foundation' refers to the physical support structure of a building, but it has evolved into a versatile term for the underlying basis of systems, organizations, or personal knowledge. Whether physical or abstract, it represents the essential starting point that provides stability.
Usage Patterns
In physical contexts, we talk about 'laying' or 'building' a foundation. In abstract contexts, such as education or business, we often use it to describe the 'foundation of a theory' or 'laying the foundation for success.' It is frequently used with verbs like 'build,' 'establish,' 'strengthen,' or 'undermine.'
Common Contexts
You will encounter this word in construction (the concrete base of a house), in education (the basics of a subject), in business (the principles of a company), and in philanthropy (an organization established to provide money for a particular cause, like a charitable foundation).
Similar Words Comparison
'Base' is more general and can refer to the bottom of any object. 'Basis' is almost exclusively abstract, used for arguments or ideas. 'Foundation' carries a stronger connotation of structural integrity and long-term support compared to these alternatives.
Beispiele
The house was built on a very solid foundation.
everydayThe house was built on a very solid foundation.
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship.
formalTrust is the foundation of any successful relationship.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
lay the foundations
to start the development of something
foundation course
a preparatory course for students
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Basis is used for abstract concepts, logic, or arguments. Foundation is used for physical structures and metaphorical support.
Grammatikmuster
How to Use It
Nutzungshinweise
Foundation is a neutral word used in both formal and informal contexts. It is highly common in professional settings, particularly when discussing strategy or development. Ensure you use it to imply something is essential or structural.
Häufige Fehler
People sometimes use 'base' when they want to sound more professional, but 'foundation' is often the better choice for abstract concepts. Avoid using 'foundation' for simple physical bottoms, like the bottom of a box; 'bottom' is better there.
Tips
Use with strong verbs for impact
Pair 'foundation' with verbs like 'solid,' 'strong,' or 'firm' to emphasize stability. For example, 'We need to build a firm foundation for our project.'
Don't confuse with 'founding'
Remember that 'founding' refers to the act of starting an organization. 'Foundation' is the result or the base itself.
Philanthropic foundations
In Western culture, many large charities are called 'foundations.' They are often established by wealthy individuals to support social or scientific goals.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Latin 'fundatio,' meaning 'a laying of a foundation.' It comes from the verb 'fundare,' meaning 'to lay the bottom of.'
Kultureller Kontext
In many countries, the term 'foundation' is synonymous with major non-profit organizations. It implies a long-term commitment to a social cause.
Merkhilfe
Think of a house: if the foundation is weak, the house falls. Just like your knowledge, if the basics are weak, you cannot learn advanced topics.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
3 FragenNo, it is widely used in abstract contexts. You can have a foundation of knowledge or a foundation for a future career.
A foundation is usually more structural or literal, while a basis refers more to the underlying logic or evidence of an argument or theory.
Metaphorically, yes. You might say someone is the foundation of a family, meaning they provide the essential support that keeps everyone together.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
A good education provides a strong ___ for your future career.
Foundation is the standard term for the underlying support for a career or life goal.
🎉 Ergebnis: /1
Summary
A foundation is the essential base that provides the necessary support for everything built upon it.
- The solid base supporting a building or structure.
- The fundamental principles or basis of an idea.
- An organization established to provide funding for specific causes.
Use with strong verbs for impact
Pair 'foundation' with verbs like 'solid,' 'strong,' or 'firm' to emphasize stability. For example, 'We need to build a firm foundation for our project.'
Don't confuse with 'founding'
Remember that 'founding' refers to the act of starting an organization. 'Foundation' is the result or the base itself.
Philanthropic foundations
In Western culture, many large charities are called 'foundations.' They are often established by wealthy individuals to support social or scientific goals.
Beispiele
2 von 2The house was built on a very solid foundation.
The house was built on a very solid foundation.
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship.
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship.
