foundation
♦ foun|da|tion /faʊnd'eɪʃən/ (foundations)
1 [N-COUNT] usu the N of/for n
The foundation of something such as a belief or way of life is the things on which it is based.
The issue strikes at the very foundation of our community...
This laid the foundations for later modern economic growth.
[PHRASE] V inflects
If an event shakes the foundations of a society or a system of beliefs, it causes great uncertainty and makes people question their most deeply held beliefs.
The destruction of war and the death of millions of young people shook the foundations of Western idealism...
2 [N-PLURAL]
The foundations of a building or other structure are the layer of bricks or concrete below the ground that it is built on.
3 [N-COUNT]
A foundation is an organization which provides money for a special purpose such as research or charity.
...the National Foundation for Educational Research.
4 [N-UNCOUNT] with brd-neg
If a story, idea, or argument has no foundation, there are no facts to prove that it is true.
The allegations were without foundation...
Each complaint is analysed very closely, and if it has no foundation it is rejected.
5 [N-MASS]
Foundation is a skin-coloured cream that you put on your face before putting on the rest of your make-up.
6
see also foundfoun|da|tion course (foundation courses)
[N-COUNT]
A foundation course is a course that you do at some colleges and universities in order to prepare yourself for a longer or more advanced course. (BRIT; in AM, use basic course)foun|da|tion stone (foundation stones)
1 [N-COUNT] oft with poss
A foundation stone is a large block of stone built into a large public building near the bottom. It is often involved in a ceremony for the opening of the building, and has writing on it recording this. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use cornerstone)
The Princess of Wales laid the foundation stone for the extension to the Cathedral.
2 [N-COUNT] usu N of n
The foundation stone of something is the basic, important thing which its existence or success depends on.
...these foundation stones of the future: education, training, research, development.
1 [N-COUNT] usu the N of/for n
The foundation of something such as a belief or way of life is the things on which it is based.
The issue strikes at the very foundation of our community...
This laid the foundations for later modern economic growth.
[PHRASE] V inflects
If an event shakes the foundations of a society or a system of beliefs, it causes great uncertainty and makes people question their most deeply held beliefs.
The destruction of war and the death of millions of young people shook the foundations of Western idealism...
2 [N-PLURAL]
The foundations of a building or other structure are the layer of bricks or concrete below the ground that it is built on.
3 [N-COUNT]
A foundation is an organization which provides money for a special purpose such as research or charity.
...the National Foundation for Educational Research.
4 [N-UNCOUNT] with brd-neg
If a story, idea, or argument has no foundation, there are no facts to prove that it is true.
The allegations were without foundation...
Each complaint is analysed very closely, and if it has no foundation it is rejected.
5 [N-MASS]
Foundation is a skin-coloured cream that you put on your face before putting on the rest of your make-up.
6
see also foundfoun|da|tion course (foundation courses)
[N-COUNT]
A foundation course is a course that you do at some colleges and universities in order to prepare yourself for a longer or more advanced course. (BRIT; in AM, use basic course)foun|da|tion stone (foundation stones)
1 [N-COUNT] oft with poss
A foundation stone is a large block of stone built into a large public building near the bottom. It is often involved in a ceremony for the opening of the building, and has writing on it recording this. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use cornerstone)
The Princess of Wales laid the foundation stone for the extension to the Cathedral.
2 [N-COUNT] usu N of n
The foundation stone of something is the basic, important thing which its existence or success depends on.
...these foundation stones of the future: education, training, research, development.