foundation

The basic ideas, facts, or work that something develops from.

• Trust is the foundation of our friendship.
• This course gives you a solid foundation in science.
• Her early research laid the foundations for later discoveries.

How to use it: foundation for something (Regular practice provides a foundation for improvement.); foundation of something (Honesty is the foundation of their relationship.); foundation in something (Students need a good foundation in mathematics.)

Similar words: basis, base

Common phrases: lay the foundation, solid foundation, foundation for something

The strong base under a building that supports its weight.

• The house has a deep foundation.
• Workers are digging the foundations.
• Cracks in the foundation worried the owner.

Similar words: base, footing

Common phrases: house foundation, concrete foundation, lay a foundation, solid foundation

An organization that provides money or other help for useful public causes.

• The foundation helps children learn to read.
• She donated money to a medical foundation.
• Several foundations support our research.

Similar words: charity

Common phrases: charitable foundation, private foundation, foundation grant

Makeup spread over the face to give the skin an even color.

• She wears foundation every day.
• This foundation matches my skin color.
• Apply a little foundation with a clean brush.

Common phrases: apply foundation, liquid foundation, foundation brush

The act of starting an organization, business, or country.

• The club has grown since its foundation.
• They celebrated the university’s foundation with a concert.
• The foundation of the company created many jobs.

How to use it: foundation of something (The foundation of the school dates back to 1850.)

Similar words: establishment, founding

Common phrases: foundation of something, since its foundation