1. The basis on which something is grounded
   "there is little foundation for his objections"
    
2. Lowest support of a structure
   "it was built on a foundation of solid rock";
   - base, fundament, foot, groundwork, substructure, understructure
    
3. The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun, developed, calculated or explained
   "the whole argument rested on a foundation of conjecture";
   - basis, base, fundament, groundwork, cornerstone
    
4. The act of starting or introducing something new
   "the foundation of a new scientific society";
   - initiation, founding, institution, origination, creation, innovation, introduction, instauration, debut, first appearance, launching, unveiling, entry
    
5. An institution supported by an endowment
   "The Gates Foundation funds global health initiatives"
    
6. Education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge
   "he lacks the foundation necessary for advanced study";
   - grounding
    
7. A woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the body
   "She wore a foundation garment under her form-fitting dress";
   - foundation garment, shapewear
    
8. A cosmetic cream or powder used as a base layer for makeup
   "She applied foundation before adding blush"

Derived forms: foundations

Type of: assumption, beginning, commencement, education, financial institution, financial organisation [Brit], financial organization, relation, start, support, supposal, supposition, undergarment, unmentionable

Part of: construction, explanation, structure

Encyclopedia: Foundation