noun

foundation

The act of establishing something new.

The foundation of the college brought new students to town.

Etymology

Latin fundatio names the laying of a base or founding. Establishing a new institution or undertaking is figuratively giving it the base on which it can develop.

More examples

  • They celebrated the club's foundation a century earlier.
  • The records describe the city's foundation.
  • She played a key role in the foundation of the association.

Forms

foundation · foundations

Similar words

establishment
The usual equivalent for starting an institution.
founding
A direct alternative for creating an institution or organization.