foundation
UK: faʊnˈdeɪʃ(ə)n | US: faʊnˈdeɪʃ(ə)n
n. the solid ground or base on which a structure is built
n. an underlying basis or principle
n. an organization established to fund or support a cause
foundation = found<establish> + ation<noun suffix>
- found (from Latin fundare, meaning "to lay a base" or "establish")
- ation (a suffix forming nouns of action or state, from Latin -atio)
Etymology Origin:
The word "foundation" traces back to the Latin fundatio, derived from fundare ("to lay a base"). The root found preserves the idea of creating stability, while -ation turns the verb into a noun, emphasizing the result or institution of establishing something. Over time, it expanded from physical bases (e.g., buildings) to abstract bases (e.g., principles or organizations).
The foundation of the ancient temple remains intact after centuries.
Trust is the foundation of a strong relationship.
She donated to a cancer research foundation.
The theory lacks a solid scientific foundation.
Engineers checked the soil before laying the foundation.