foundation foundation /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/

noun

1. () The basis on which something is grounded  ( foundation )
   the basis on which something is grounded
    There is little foundation for his objections
   there is little foundation for his objections
   
2. () An institution supported by an endowment  ( foundation )
   an institution supported by an endowment
   
3. () Lowest support of a structure  ( fundament , groundwork , substructure , base , foot , foundation , understructure )
   lowest support of a structure
    It was built on a base of solid rock
   it was built on a base of solid rock
    He stood at the foot of the tower
   he stood at the foot of the tower
   
4. The act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new  ( foundation , innovation , instauration , creation , founding , initiation , institution , introduction , origination )
   the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new
    She looked forward to her initiation as an adult
   she looked forward to her initiation as an adult
    The foundation of a new scientific society
   the foundation of a new scientific society
   
5. A woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the body  ( foundation , foundation garment , shapewear )
   a woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the body
    A good foundation can even out your skin tone and give you a flawless complexion
   A good foundation can even out your skin tone and give you a flawless complexion
   
   
6. The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun, developed, calculated or explained  ( cornerstone , foundation , fundament , base , basis , groundwork )
   the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun, developed, calculated or explained
    The whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
   the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
   
7. Education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge  ( foundation , grounding )
   education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge
    He lacks the foundation necessary for advanced study
   he lacks the foundation necessary for advanced study
    A good grounding in mathematics
   a good grounding in mathematics