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B1 noun #14 最常用 9分钟阅读

foundation

At the A1 level, 'foundation' is a word you might not use every day, but it is easy to understand. Think of it as the 'bottom' of a house. When builders make a house, they start with the foundation. It is the part under the ground that holds the house up. It is usually made of hard concrete. You can also think of it like the first layer of something. For example, in makeup, foundation is the first thing you put on your face to make your skin look smooth. It is the 'start' or the 'base'. You might hear it in simple sentences like 'The house has a strong foundation' or 'I need to buy new foundation.' It is a noun, which means it is a thing. At this level, just remember that a foundation is the strong part at the bottom that supports everything else. It is like the roots of a tree, but for a building. If the foundation is bad, the building might fall down. If the foundation is good, the building will stay up for a long time.
At the A2 level, you can start to use 'foundation' in slightly more complex ways. You still use it for buildings, but you might also use it to talk about an organization that helps people. For example, a 'charity foundation' is a group that gives money to help poor people or sick children. You can also use it to talk about the beginning of your learning. If you have a 'good foundation' in English, it means you know the basic words and grammar very well. This makes it easier to learn harder things later. You might say, 'This book gives you a foundation for learning science.' In makeup, you might talk about 'liquid foundation' or 'powder foundation.' The word still means the 'base' or the 'bottom part,' but now it applies to more than just houses. You can 'lay a foundation' (start building) or 'have a foundation' (have a base). It is a useful word for describing why something is strong or how something started.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'foundation' both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it is the structural base of a building. Metaphorically, it refers to the basic principles or ideas that something is built on. For instance, you might say that 'trust is the foundation of a good marriage.' This means that without trust, the marriage cannot be strong. You will also see this word used frequently in the names of organizations, like the 'Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.' These are institutions that provide money for specific causes. You might also encounter the phrase 'without foundation,' which means that a claim or a rumor has no evidence and is not true. For example, 'The accusations against him were without foundation.' At this level, you should understand that 'foundation' implies something essential and supporting. It is the 'groundwork' that must be done before anything else can succeed. You can use it to talk about education, relationships, buildings, and organizations.
At the B2 level, you can use 'foundation' to discuss more abstract and technical topics. In academic writing, you might discuss the 'foundations of modern philosophy' or the 'theoretical foundation' of a research project. This refers to the core set of ideas and previous research that your work is based on. You should also be aware of the verb form 'to found,' which means to start or establish something (e.g., 'He founded the company in 1990'). The noun 'foundation' is the result of that action. You might use the word to describe the stability of a system: 'The economic crisis shook the foundations of the global market.' Here, 'foundations' is plural and refers to the many different parts that keep the market working. You should also be familiar with collocations like 'foundational skills,' 'firm foundation,' and 'shaky foundation.' At this level, you are expected to use the word precisely to describe the underlying support for complex systems, whether they are physical, social, or intellectual.
At the C1 level, 'foundation' is a versatile tool for sophisticated analysis. You might use it to critique the 'epistemological foundations' of a theory, questioning the very basis of how we know what we know. You can use it in legal contexts to describe the 'foundation' for an objection or a piece of evidence—the legal justification that allows it to be considered. In literature, you might analyze the 'foundational myths' of a culture, which are the stories that define a society's identity and values. You should be able to distinguish between 'foundation' and its more nuanced synonyms like 'underpinnings,' 'bedrock,' or 'substratum.' For example, you might say, 'The underpinnings of his argument are rooted in 18th-century rationalism.' You should also be able to use the word in formal, rhetorical ways, such as 'The very foundations of our civilization are at stake.' At this level, the word is not just about buildings or charities; it is about the deep, often invisible structures that support all human thought and social organization.
At the C2 level, your use of 'foundation' should be indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use it to navigate complex philosophical, legal, and scientific discourses. You might discuss the 'axiomatic foundations' of mathematics or the 'ontological foundations' of a metaphysical system. You can use the word to describe the subtle interplay between different layers of a system, such as 'the cultural foundation upon which the political superstructure is built.' You should be adept at using the word in idiomatic and metaphorical ways that convey deep meaning, such as 'shaking the foundations of the establishment' or 'laying the foundation for a paradigm shift.' Your understanding of the word's etymology (from the Latin 'fundatio') and its historical evolution will allow you to use it with a sense of gravity and precision. Whether you are writing a legal brief, a scientific paper, or a philosophical treatise, 'foundation' is a word you use to define the limits, the supports, and the very essence of the subject at hand.
开始练习 例句 笔记与提示

foundation 30秒了解

  • A foundation is the physical base of a structure, ensuring stability and support by transferring weight to the ground.
  • Metaphorically, it refers to the core principles, beliefs, or basic knowledge that support a larger system or idea.
  • It is a common term for non-profit organizations that manage funds and provide grants for charitable or social causes.
  • In the beauty industry, it is a essential makeup product applied to the face to create a uniform and smooth base.

The word foundation is a multifaceted noun that serves as the literal and figurative bedrock of our physical and conceptual worlds. At its most basic, physical level, a foundation is the structural element of a building that connects it to the ground, transferring the load from the structure to the earth. Without a solid foundation, even the most magnificent skyscraper would eventually lean, crack, or collapse under its own weight. This physical reality provides a powerful metaphor for almost every other use of the word. When we speak of the foundation of a relationship, we are talking about the core values like trust, communication, and mutual respect that allow the partnership to survive the 'storms' of life. In an academic sense, foundational knowledge refers to the primary concepts—like arithmetic in mathematics or phonics in reading—that a student must master before they can move on to complex calculus or literary analysis. Furthermore, the term extends into the world of philanthropy and law, where a foundation is a non-profit organization that provides funding for specific causes, such as education, health, or the arts. Finally, in the world of cosmetics, foundation is a type of makeup applied to the entire face to create an even, uniform color to the complexion, acting as the 'base' for other makeup products. People use this word whenever they want to emphasize the importance of a starting point, a support system, or the underlying principles of a system.

Structural Engineering
In construction, the foundation is the lowest part of a building, typically made of concrete and reinforced with steel, which supports the entire weight of the structure above it.

The heavy rains caused the soil to shift, which eventually led to a crack in the house's foundation.

Abstract Concepts
It refers to the fundamental principles or underlying ideas upon which something is based, such as the foundation of a legal system or a scientific theory.

Honesty is the foundation of any lasting friendship.

Philanthropy
An institution or organization that is established with an endowment to provide financial support for social, educational, or religious purposes.

The charitable foundation donated millions of dollars to fund cancer research across the globe.

She spent a long time finding the perfect shade of foundation to match her skin tone.

The foundation of the new museum was laid during a formal ceremony yesterday.

Using 'foundation' correctly requires understanding whether you are speaking about a physical object, an abstract concept, or an organization. When discussing construction, 'foundation' is almost always a concrete noun. You 'lay' a foundation, 'pour' a foundation, or 'inspect' a foundation. In these cases, it is usually preceded by 'the' or 'a'. For example, 'The workers are pouring the foundation today.' When moving into the realm of ideas, 'foundation' becomes more abstract. You can 'build' a theory on a foundation of evidence, or 'shake' the foundation of someone's beliefs. Here, it is common to see the pattern 'foundation of [noun]'. For instance, 'The foundation of his argument was flawed.' When referring to a charitable organization, 'Foundation' is often capitalized when it is part of a proper name, such as 'The Rockefeller Foundation'. In the world of cosmetics, it is often used as an uncountable noun or a singular noun: 'I need more foundation' or 'This foundation is too oily.' Understanding these nuances helps in selecting the right verbs and adjectives to accompany the word.

Verbs used with Foundation
Common verbs include: lay, build, establish, provide, shake, undermine, strengthen, and support.

The discovery of the new fossil shook the foundation of existing biological theories.

Adjectives used with Foundation
Common adjectives include: solid, firm, shaky, weak, moral, ideological, charitable, and foundational.

Without a solid foundation in basic grammar, it is difficult to write complex essays.

Prepositional Phrases
Common phrases: 'on the foundation of', 'the foundation for', 'without foundation' (meaning baseless).

The rumors were entirely without foundation and were quickly proven false.

The course provides a foundation for further study in the field of psychology.

They are building their business on a foundation of innovation and customer service.

The word 'foundation' is ubiquitous, appearing in professional, academic, and daily life contexts. In a professional setting, you might hear a CEO talk about the 'foundations of the company,' referring to its mission and core values. In the world of finance and law, 'foundation' is a specific legal entity. If you are watching the news, you might hear about the 'Clinton Foundation' or the 'Gates Foundation' and their work in global health. In an academic environment, professors often talk about 'foundational texts' or 'foundational theories' that every student in the major must read. If you are interested in construction or home improvement, you will hear contractors discuss the 'slab foundation' or 'crawl space foundation' of a house. In the beauty and fashion industry, 'foundation' is a staple term in every makeup tutorial or product advertisement. Even in casual conversation, people use the word to describe the basis of their personal beliefs or the start of a new project. It is a word that bridges the gap between the highly technical and the everyday metaphorical.

In the News
News reports often mention foundations when discussing large-scale charitable donations or the legal structures of wealthy individuals' estates.

The foundation announced a new grant program to support local artists.

In Education
Teachers use the term to describe the essential skills students need before progressing to more difficult material.

This introductory course serves as the foundation for the entire engineering curriculum.

In Construction
Contractors and architects use 'foundation' to refer to the concrete base of a structure.

Before we can start framing the walls, we have to wait for the foundation to cure.

The foundation of the building was reinforced to withstand earthquakes.

She applied a light layer of foundation before adding concealer and powder.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 'foundation' with 'basis'. While they are often synonyms, 'foundation' usually implies a more structural or permanent support, whereas 'basis' can be more abstract or temporary. For example, you would say 'the basis for my decision' but 'the foundation of a building.' Another frequent error is using 'founding' when 'foundation' is required. 'Founding' is a gerund or participle referring to the act of starting something (e.g., 'The founding of the city took place in 1704'), while 'foundation' is the thing that results from that act or the physical base itself. Additionally, some people confuse 'foundation' with 'fundament'. While 'fundament' can mean a basic principle, it is much less common and often has anatomical connotations that can lead to awkward misunderstandings. In the plural, 'foundations' is often used for systems of thought, but using it for a single building's base is technically incorrect unless the building has multiple separate foundation structures. Finally, in the context of makeup, 'foundation' is always singular; you don't wear 'foundations' unless you are mixing multiple products.

Foundation vs. Basis
Use 'foundation' for physical structures and deep-seated principles. Use 'basis' for the justification or starting point of an argument or decision.

Incorrect: The basis of the house was cracked. Correct: The foundation of the house was cracked.

Foundation vs. Founding
'Founding' is the action; 'foundation' is the entity or the base.

Incorrect: He was present at the foundation of the company. Correct: He was present at the founding of the company.

Countability in Makeup
In cosmetics, 'foundation' is treated as an uncountable mass noun.

Incorrect: She put on three foundations. Correct: She applied a lot of foundation.

The foundations of modern democracy were laid in ancient Greece.

His argument lacks a foundation in reality.

To truly master the word 'foundation', it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and near-synonyms. 'Base' is the most common alternative, but it is often more general. A 'base' can be the bottom of a lamp or a military camp, whereas 'foundation' implies a more integral, load-bearing role. 'Bedrock' is a more evocative synonym, often used to describe the most basic, unshakeable principles of a system. 'Cornerstone' is another architectural metaphor, referring to the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, and figuratively, to something that is essential or indispensable. 'Groundwork' is often used when talking about the preliminary work that makes a later project possible (e.g., 'laying the groundwork for a peace treaty'). 'Underpinnings' is a slightly more formal term, often used in academic or technical contexts to describe the hidden support structures of an idea or building. By choosing the right word, you can convey subtle differences in meaning and tone.

Foundation vs. Base
'Foundation' is structural and supporting; 'base' is simply the bottom part of something.

The base of the vase is wide, but the foundation of the building is deep.

Foundation vs. Cornerstone
A 'foundation' is the whole base; a 'cornerstone' is a single, vital part of that base.

Trust is the cornerstone of their relationship's foundation.

Foundation vs. Underpinnings
'Underpinnings' often refers to the complex, sometimes hidden, support for a theory or system.

The economic underpinnings of the policy were criticized by experts.

We need to lay the groundwork before we can build a solid foundation.

The bedrock of his faith remained unshaken despite the tragedy.

How Formal Is It?

正式

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中性

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Child friendly

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俚语

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趣味小知识

The word 'found' (to start something) and 'found' (past tense of find) are completely different words with different origins. 'Found' as in 'foundation' comes from 'fundus' (bottom), while 'found' as in 'find' comes from 'findan' (Old English).

发音指南

UK /faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən/
US /faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən/
foun-DA-tion
押韵词
Nation Station Relation Education Creation Location Vacation Information
常见错误
  • Pronouncing it as 'foun-DA-shun' with a very short 'a'.
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable 'FOUN-da-tion'.
  • Missing the 'n' sound in the first syllable.
  • Confusing the 'ou' sound with 'oo' as in 'food'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'tion' ending.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but can be abstract in academic texts.

写作 4/5

Requires care to choose the right prepositions (of vs. for).

口语 3/5

Commonly used, but the pronunciation of 'tion' needs practice.

听力 2/5

Clear phonetic profile makes it easy to hear.

接下来学什么

前置知识

Base Bottom Build Support Start

接下来学习

Cornerstone Infrastructure Endowment Philanthropy Fundamental

高级

Epistemology Substructure Axiomatic Underpinning Substratum

需要掌握的语法

Nouns used as adjectives

In 'foundation course', 'foundation' acts as an adjective modifying 'course'.

Passive Voice with 'Found'

The city was founded (not foundationed) in 1200.

Prepositional choice

Use 'foundation for' for future goals and 'foundation of' for existing bases.

Uncountable usage

When referring to makeup, do not use 'a' or pluralize.

Capitalization

Capitalize 'Foundation' when it is part of a specific organization's name.

按水平分级的例句

1

The house has a strong foundation.

La maison a une base solide.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

2

She puts on foundation every morning.

Elle met du fond de teint chaque matin.

Here, 'foundation' is an uncountable noun.

3

The foundation is made of concrete.

La fondation est en béton.

Use 'of' to describe the material.

4

They are building the foundation now.

Ils construisent la base maintenant.

Present continuous tense.

5

Is the foundation deep?

La fondation est-elle profonde ?

Question form with 'is'.

6

The foundation is the bottom part.

La fondation est la partie inférieure.

Defining a noun.

7

We need a good foundation for the shed.

Nous avons besoin d'une bonne base pour l'abri.

Using 'for' to show purpose.

8

The foundation is very old.

La fondation est très ancienne.

Adjective 'old' modifying the noun.

1

This foundation helps poor children.

Cette fondation aide les enfants pauvres.

Here, 'foundation' refers to an organization.

2

He has a good foundation in math.

Il a de bonnes bases en mathématiques.

Metaphorical use for basic knowledge.

3

The foundation of the bridge is under water.

La base du pont est sous l'eau.

Prepositional phrase 'of the bridge'.

4

She works for a medical foundation.

Elle travaille pour une fondation médicale.

Using 'for' to show employment.

5

The foundation was laid in 1950.

La fondation a été posée en 1950.

Passive voice 'was laid'.

6

You must learn the foundation of the language.

Vous devez apprendre les bases de la langue.

Singular 'foundation' used for basic principles.

7

The foundation is cracked and needs repair.

La fondation est fissurée et doit être réparée.

Compound predicate with 'and'.

8

My foundation matches my skin perfectly.

Mon fond de teint correspond parfaitement à ma peau.

Possessive adjective 'my'.

1

Respect is the foundation of a healthy relationship.

Le respect est le fondement d'une relation saine.

Abstract use of the word.

2

The charity foundation raised a million dollars.

La fondation caritative a récolté un million de dollars.

Compound noun 'charity foundation'.

3

The rumors were completely without foundation.

Les rumeurs étaient complètement sans fondement.

Idiomatic phrase 'without foundation'.

4

This course provides a solid foundation for your career.

Ce cours offre une base solide pour votre carrière.

Adjective 'solid' is a common collocation.

5

The foundation of the building was damaged by the earthquake.

La fondation du bâtiment a été endommagée par le tremblement de terre.

Passive voice with 'by'.

6

She is looking for a foundation that supports art.

Elle cherche une fondation qui soutient l'art.

Relative clause 'that supports art'.

7

The foundation of his theory is based on new data.

Le fondement de sa théorie repose sur de nouvelles données.

Redundant but common: 'foundation... based on'.

8

They laid the foundation for the new hospital today.

Ils ont posé la première pierre du nouvel hôpital aujourd'hui.

Idiom 'lay the foundation'.

1

The scandal shook the foundations of the government.

Le scandale a ébranlé les fondements du gouvernement.

Plural 'foundations' for a system.

2

The book explores the philosophical foundations of justice.

Le livre explore les fondements philosophiques de la justice.

Academic usage.

3

A firm foundation in science is essential for this job.

Une base solide en sciences est essentielle pour ce travail.

Adjective 'firm' used for emphasis.

4

The foundation was established by a wealthy businessman.

La fondation a été créée par un riche homme d'affaires.

Passive voice 'was established'.

5

The argument lacks a logical foundation.

L'argument manque de fondement logique.

Verb 'lacks' followed by the noun.

6

The project's success was built on a foundation of hard work.

Le succès du projet a été bâti sur une base de travail acharné.

Metaphorical 'built on a foundation of'.

7

The foundation of the old castle is still visible.

Les fondations du vieux château sont encore visibles.

Singular used for the remaining structure.

8

The foundation's primary goal is to eradicate malaria.

L'objectif principal de la fondation est d'éradiquer le paludisme.

Possessive 'foundation's'.

1

The report undermines the very foundation of their claims.

Le rapport sape le fondement même de leurs affirmations.

Verb 'undermines' implies weakening from below.

2

The legal foundation for the search warrant was questioned.

Le fondement juridique du mandat de perquisition a été remis en question.

Technical legal usage.

3

Foundational myths often define a nation's identity.

Les mythes fondateurs définissent souvent l'identité d'une nation.

Adjective 'foundational'.

4

The research provides the foundation for future breakthroughs.

La recherche constitue la base de futures percées.

Using 'provides' to show contribution.

5

The building's foundation requires extensive underpinning.

La fondation du bâtiment nécessite une reprise en sous-œuvre importante.

Technical construction term 'underpinning'.

6

The foundations of Western civilization are often debated.

Les fondements de la civilisation occidentale font souvent l'objet de débats.

Plural 'foundations' for broad concepts.

7

The foundation's endowment is managed by a board of trustees.

La dotation de la fondation est gérée par un conseil d'administration.

Formal vocabulary: 'endowment', 'trustees'.

8

His entire worldview was built on a shaky foundation.

Toute sa vision du monde reposait sur des bases fragiles.

Metaphorical 'shaky foundation'.

1

The philosopher sought to establish the metaphysical foundations of ethics.

Le philosophe a cherché à établir les fondements métaphysiques de l'éthique.

High-level academic usage.

2

The seismic activity threatened the structural foundation of the dam.

L'activité sismique menaçait l'assise structurelle du barrage.

Technical engineering context.

3

The foundation's charter prohibits any political involvement.

La charte de la fondation interdit toute implication politique.

Legal term 'charter'.

4

The discovery of the Higgs boson solidified the foundations of the Standard Model.

La découverte du boson de Higgs a consolidé les bases du modèle standard.

Scientific metaphor.

5

The critique exposes the hollow foundation of the prevailing ideology.

La critique expose le fondement creux de l'idéologie dominante.

Rhetorical use of 'hollow foundation'.

6

The foundation's philanthropic reach extends to over fifty countries.

Le rayonnement philanthropique de la fondation s'étend à plus de cinquante pays.

Sophisticated noun phrase 'philanthropic reach'.

7

The court ruled that the evidence was admitted without proper foundation.

Le tribunal a jugé que la preuve avait été admise sans fondement approprié.

Legal idiom 'without proper foundation'.

8

The foundations of his sanity were slowly eroding.

Les bases de sa santé mentale s'effritaient lentement.

Poetic/Psychological metaphor.

常见搭配

Lay a foundation
Solid foundation
Shaky foundation
Charitable foundation
Theoretical foundation
Foundation stone
Without foundation
Shake the foundations
Foundation course
Liquid foundation

常用短语

From the foundation up

Lay the foundations for

A firm foundation

Foundational skills

The foundation of truth

Build on a foundation

A weak foundation

The foundation of society

Foundation grant

Foundation repair

容易混淆的词

foundation vs Basis

Basis is more abstract and used for reasons; foundation is more structural.

foundation vs Founding

Founding is the act of starting; foundation is the result or the base.

foundation vs Fundament

Fundament is rare and can refer to the human anatomy (buttocks).

习语与表达

"Shake someone to their foundations"

To shock or upset someone very deeply, changing their core beliefs.

The news of the accident shook him to his foundations.

Informal/Neutral

"Laying the foundation"

Doing the early work that will make a later success possible.

She is laying the foundation for her future political career.

Neutral

"Without foundation"

Not based on any facts or evidence; untrue.

The accusations were completely without foundation.

Formal

"Solid as a rock foundation"

Extremely stable and reliable.

Our friendship has a solid as a rock foundation.

Informal

"Build on sand"

To base something on a very weak or unstable foundation (opposite idiom).

Starting a business without a plan is like building on sand.

Neutral

"The cornerstone of the foundation"

The most important single part of a base.

Education is the cornerstone of the foundation of progress.

Formal

"From the ground up"

Similar to 'from the foundation up', starting from the very beginning.

He built his empire from the ground up.

Neutral

"Root and branch"

Completely, including the foundation or roots.

The system needs to be changed root and branch.

Neutral

"Rock bottom"

The very lowest level, sometimes used when a foundation is reached.

He hit rock bottom before he decided to change his life.

Informal

"Bedrock principles"

The most basic and important rules or beliefs.

These are the bedrock principles of our constitution.

Formal

容易混淆

foundation vs Basis

Both mean 'the bottom part' or 'the reason'.

Foundation is used for physical structures and deep principles. Basis is used for the logic behind a specific decision or temporary state.

The foundation of the building is stone, but the basis for my choice was the price.

foundation vs Founding

Both come from the verb 'to found'.

Founding is the event of starting an organization. Foundation is the organization itself or its base.

The founding of the foundation took place in 1920.

foundation vs Base

Both mean the bottom.

Base is more general (base of a lamp). Foundation is specifically a support structure for something heavy or complex.

The base of the mountain is wide, but the foundation of the hotel is deep.

foundation vs Cornerstone

Both are architectural metaphors.

Foundation is the whole base. Cornerstone is one specific, essential part of that base.

Education is the cornerstone of the foundation of a good life.

foundation vs Underpinnings

Both mean support.

Underpinnings is more formal and often refers to the hidden or theoretical supports.

The underpinnings of the theory were complex.

句型

A1

The [Noun] has a [Adjective] foundation.

The house has a strong foundation.

A2

He has a foundation in [Subject].

He has a foundation in English.

B1

[Abstract Noun] is the foundation of [Abstract Noun].

Trust is the foundation of love.

B2

The [Noun] was built on a foundation of [Noun].

The company was built on a foundation of hard work.

C1

The [Noun] lacks a [Adjective] foundation.

The argument lacks a solid empirical foundation.

C2

To undermine the [Adjective] foundations of [Noun].

To undermine the very foundations of the legal system.

B1

The rumors were [Adverb] without foundation.

The rumors were completely without foundation.

B2

Laying the foundation for [Gerund].

Laying the foundation for achieving success.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

相关

如何使用

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken English.

常见错误
  • Using 'foundation' as a verb. → He founded the charity.

    'Foundation' is a noun. Use 'found' for the action of starting something.

  • Saying 'foundations' for makeup. → I am wearing foundation.

    In the context of cosmetics, 'foundation' is an uncountable noun.

  • Confusing 'foundation' with 'basis' in simple physical contexts. → The foundation of the building is concrete.

    'Basis' is almost never used for physical structures.

  • Using 'foundation' when you mean 'founding'. → I was there for the founding of the club.

    'Founding' refers to the act of starting; 'foundation' is the thing itself.

  • Missing the 'n' in pronunciation. → /faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən/

    Make sure to pronounce the 'n' clearly before the 'd'.

小贴士

Using Prepositions

Remember to use 'foundation of' for existing things (foundation of the house) and 'foundation for' for things you are preparing for (foundation for success).

Synonym Choice

Use 'bedrock' if you want to sound more poetic or emphasize that something is absolutely unchangeable.

Pronunciation

The 'tion' at the end sounds like 'shun'. Make sure the 'sh' is soft and the 'u' is very short.

Academic Tone

In essays, use 'foundational' as an adjective to describe core theories or skills. It sounds more professional than 'basic'.

Charity Names

When you see 'Foundation' in a name, it almost always means it is a non-profit that gives away money for good causes.

Makeup Context

In a makeup store, you can ask for a 'sample of foundation' to test the color on your skin.

Abstract Use

If an argument is 'shaky,' it means the foundation (the facts) is not strong enough to support the conclusion.

Technical Term

A 'slab foundation' is a single thick layer of concrete, while a 'pier foundation' uses deep pillars.

Relationship Tip

Saying 'we have a strong foundation' is a high compliment for a marriage or a business partnership.

Etymology

The root 'found' means 'bottom'. This is the same root found in 'profound' (meaning deep).

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'FOUND-ation'. You have to FOUND (start) the building at the bottom. The foundation is what you FOUND the building on.

视觉联想

Imagine a giant concrete slab under a house. Now imagine that same slab under a giant book (knowledge) or a heart (relationship).

Word Web

Building Base Charity Makeup Principles Support Ground Start

挑战

Try to use 'foundation' in three different ways today: once about a building, once about a skill you are learning, and once about a person you trust.

词源

The word 'foundation' comes from the Old French word 'fondacion', which in turn derives from the Latin 'fundatio'. This Latin term comes from 'fundare', meaning 'to lay a bottom or foundation'.

原始含义： The original meaning in Latin was literally the act of laying a base for a building.

Indo-European (Latinate/Romance branch).

文化背景

When discussing 'foundation' in makeup, be aware of the importance of 'shade range' and inclusivity.

Foundations are a huge part of the non-profit sector in the US and UK, often associated with the 'giving pledge' of billionaires.

The 'Foundation' series by Isaac Asimov (science fiction books about saving civilization). The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (world's largest private foundation). The 'Foundation' of the American Constitution.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Construction

  • Pour the foundation
  • Foundation crack
  • Slab foundation
  • Deep foundation

Education

  • Foundation course
  • Foundational skills
  • Build a foundation
  • Academic foundation

Charity

  • Private foundation
  • Foundation grant
  • Establish a foundation
  • Foundation board

Makeup

  • Apply foundation
  • Full-coverage foundation
  • Foundation shade
  • Liquid foundation

Philosophy/Logic

  • Foundational principles
  • Without foundation
  • Theoretical foundation
  • Shaky foundation

对话开场白

"What do you think is the foundation of a successful career?"

"Have you ever donated to a charitable foundation?"

"Do you think a house's foundation is the most important part of building it?"

"What kind of foundation do you think is best for a long-lasting friendship?"

"Is it hard to find the right shade of foundation for your skin?"

日记主题

Reflect on the foundations of your own personal beliefs. Where did they come from?

Describe a time when the foundation of your life was shaken. How did you rebuild?

If you could start a foundation to help the world, what cause would it support?

Why is a solid foundation in basic education so important for children?

Discuss the metaphorical meaning of 'building on a foundation of sand'.

常见问题

10 个问题

No, 'foundation' is always a noun. The verb form is 'to found', which means to start or establish something. For example, 'He founded the company.' You cannot say 'He foundationed the company.'

It depends on the meaning. When talking about a building's base or a charity, it is countable ('two foundations'). When talking about makeup or basic principles in a general sense, it is often uncountable ('I need more foundation').

The singular 'foundation' usually refers to one specific base. The plural 'foundations' is often used metaphorically to refer to the multiple principles or systems that support a society or a large idea (e.g., 'the foundations of democracy').

You 'apply' foundation, 'wear' foundation, or 'blend' foundation. It is the makeup you put on first to make your skin look even. Example: 'She applied a liquid foundation with a sponge.'

It means that a statement or claim has no facts to support it. It is a more formal way of saying 'that is not true' or 'there is no proof'. Example: 'The rumors of his resignation were without foundation.'

In some countries, like the UK, a foundation course is a one-year preparatory course for students who need more skills before starting a full university degree.

Yes, metaphorically. You can say someone is the 'foundation of the family,' meaning they are the main support person who keeps everyone together and stable.

It is a neutral word that can be used in any context, but it is very common in formal writing, especially in law, science, and philanthropy.

Common adjectives include solid, firm, shaky, weak, moral, charitable, liquid, and foundational.

In construction, the opposite is the 'superstructure' (the part above ground). In general, the opposite could be the 'apex' or 'top'.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Describe the literal meaning of 'foundation' in construction.

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writing

Explain how 'foundation' is used in the world of cosmetics.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'foundation' in a metaphorical sense.

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writing

What is a charitable foundation? Give an example.

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writing

Compare 'foundation' and 'basis'.

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writing

What does it mean if an argument has a 'shaky foundation'?

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writing

Describe the process of 'laying a foundation'.

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writing

Why is a 'foundation course' useful for students?

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Use the phrase 'without foundation' in a formal sentence.

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How can an earthquake affect a building's foundation?

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writing

Discuss the importance of a 'firm foundation' in a marriage.

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What are 'foundational myths' in a culture?

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writing

Write a short story about a builder who forgets the foundation.

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writing

Explain the etymology of the word 'foundation'.

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writing

What is a 'foundation stone ceremony'?

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writing

How do you choose the right foundation shade for your skin?

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writing

Describe the 'foundations of modern democracy'.

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writing

Use 'foundation' in a sentence about a scientific theory.

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writing

What is the 'superstructure' in relation to the foundation?

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writing

Why is 'foundation' an important word in English?

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speaking

Pronounce the word 'foundation' correctly.

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Use 'foundation' in a sentence about a house.

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Use 'foundation' in a sentence about a charity.

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speaking

Use 'foundation' in a sentence about makeup.

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speaking

Explain why a foundation is important for a building.

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speaking

What is the foundation of a good education?

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speaking

Tell a story about a foundation you know.

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speaking

How do you feel when someone's claims are 'without foundation'?

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speaking

Discuss the 'foundations of your country'.

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speaking

Use the word 'foundational' in a sentence.

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speaking

Describe a 'shaky foundation' in a business.

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speaking

What is the difference between 'base' and 'foundation'?

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speaking

Use 'foundation' to describe a person.

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speaking

Talk about a 'foundation year' you might take.

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speaking

How do you apply foundation makeup?

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speaking

What happens if a foundation is cracked?

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speaking

Use 'foundation' in a sentence about a theory.

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speaking

What is a 'foundation grant' used for?

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speaking

Why is 'foundation' a common word in news?

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speaking

Summarize the different meanings of 'foundation'.

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'The foundation of the building is solid.'

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listening

Listen and identify the context: 'I need a foundation that matches my skin.'

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listening

Listen and identify the context: 'The foundation gave a grant to the school.'

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listening

Listen and identify the context: 'The earthquake damaged the foundation.'

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listening

Listen and identify the meaning: 'His argument is without foundation.'

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listening

Listen and identify the adjective: 'We need a firm foundation.'

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listening

Listen and identify the verb: 'They are laying the foundation.'

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listening

Listen and identify the noun: 'The foundations of democracy.'

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listening

Listen and identify the number of syllables in 'foundation'.

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listening

Listen and identify the stress: 'foun-DA-tion'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'From the foundation up.'

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listening

Listen and identify the subject: 'The foundation's goal is health.'

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listening

Listen and identify the type of foundation: 'It's a slab foundation.'

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listening

Listen and identify the synonym: 'Bedrock is the foundation.'

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listening

Listen and identify the purpose: 'A foundation for peace.'

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/ 200 correct

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