foundation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the basis on which something is grounded
    • there is little foundation for his objections
  2. noun an institution supported by an endowment
  3. noun lowest support of a structure
    substructure; groundwork; understructure; base; fundament; foot.
    • it was built on a base of solid rock
    • he stood at the foot of the tower
  4. noun education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge
    grounding.
    • he lacks the foundation necessary for advanced study
    • a good grounding in mathematics
  5. noun the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
    basis; groundwork; base; fundament; cornerstone.
    • the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
  6. noun a woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the body
    foundation garment.
  7. noun the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new
    instauration; founding; introduction; origination; creation; initiation; innovation; institution.
    • she looked forward to her initiation as an adult
    • the foundation of a new scientific society

WordNet

Foun*da"tion noun
Etymology
F. fondation, L. fundatio. See Found to establish.
Definitions
  1. The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.
  2. That upon which anything is founded; that on which anything stands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; groundwork; basis.
    Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone . . . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Is. xxviii. 16.
    The foundation of a free common wealth. Motley.
  3. (Arch.) The lowest and supporting part or member of a wall, including the base course (see Base course (a), under Base, n.) and footing courses; in a frame house, the whole substructure of masonry.
  4. A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.
    He was entered on the foundation of Westminster. Macaulay.
  5. That which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity.
    Against the canon laws of our foundation. Milton.

Webster 1913