foundation
Definitions
The solid base on which a building or structure is built
地基，基础
The underlying basis or principle on which something rests
（事物的）根基，依据
An institution funded by an endowment, especially a charitable one
基金会
The act of founding or establishing something
创立，建立
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedfound (fundāre, 'to lay a bottom') + -ation (act/result). The one image of 'a bottom that holds the rest up' fans out: the literal base under a building, the basis under an argument, the act of laying that base (the founding of a nation), and an institution set on a permanent money-base (a charitable foundation).
Root fund still carries 32 more wordsWhy It Means This
Notice how one Latin image splits into very different English senses. A makeup 'foundation' is the same metaphor — the base layer everything else goes on top of. Whenever you meet 'foundation,' ask 'the bottom of what?' — a wall, an argument, an organization, or a pool of money.
Common Collocations
- 1.lay the foundation奠定基础
- 2.solid foundation坚实的基础
- 3.charitable foundation慈善基金会
- 4.foundation stone奠基石
- 5.shake the foundations动摇根基
Example Sentences
- 1.
Workers spent weeks pouring the concrete foundation of the tower.
- 2.
Trust is the foundation of any lasting friendship.
- 3.
The research is paid for by a private foundation.
- 4.
The museum celebrated the foundation of the city two centuries ago.