Definition of foundation

Short definition: The word foundation means the strong base that supports something, whether foundation is a building, an idea, a skill, or a system, and it suggests stability, preparation, and long-term strength rather than quick results.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word foundation? The word foundation is widely used in construction, education, organizations, and everyday speech. It can describe the solid base that supports a building, the starting point of an idea or skill, or an organization created to support a cause. Because it is used both literally and figuratively, its meaning depends strongly on context. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and practical.

Forms: foundation, foundations
Related: base n., establish v., fundamental adj.
Syllable: foun-da-tion

1. (Noun) The solid base of a building that supports its weight and keeps it stable.

   A foundation is the lowest structural part of a building that sits on or below the ground and carries the weight of everything above it, designed to keep the structure stable safe and firmly anchored over time.

   The engineers inspected the foundation carefully to make sure the building could safely support additional floors.
   Cracks in the foundation can cause serious structural problems if they are ignored for too long.
   The house remained standing during the storm because it was built on a strong concrete foundation.

   Synonyms: base, structural base, footing, groundwork, support base, concrete base, structural support, building base, load bearing base, ground support, lower structure, base layer
   Antonyms: surface, top layer, roof, upper structure, decoration, exterior finish, non structural part, unsupported section, unstable layer, temporary support, weak base, superficial layer

2. (Noun) The basic idea skill or principle on which something is built or developed.

   In a figurative sense, a foundation is the basic knowledge values or conditions that support future learning growth or success, acting as the starting point for more complex development.

   Good communication skills form the foundation of strong professional relationships over time.
   Reading regularly at a young age builds a solid foundation for academic success later in life.
   Trust is the foundation of any healthy long term partnership.

   Synonyms: basis, core, groundwork, starting point, underlying support, fundamental base, root, essential principle, framework, corner stone, building block, underlying structure
   Antonyms: result, outcome, surface detail, advanced layer, final stage, conclusion, consequence, finished product, secondary element, added feature, decoration, extra detail

3. (Noun) An organization created to support a specific cause through funding or action.

   A foundation can also mean a formal organization that provides financial support research or services for charitable educational medical or social causes.

   The foundation funds scholarships for students from low income backgrounds.
   She works for a foundation that supports environmental conservation projects worldwide.
   Donations to the foundation help support long term community programs.

   Synonyms: charity, nonprofit organization, trust, grant organization, philanthropic group, funding body, support organization, endowment, charitable institution, aid organization, social foundation, nonprofit trust
   Antonyms: for profit company, private business, commercial enterprise, profit driven firm, corporation, personal venture, private ownership, retail business, revenue focused company, commercial body, trading firm, business entity