foundations

1. the basis on which something is groundedExamples: "there is little foundation for his objections"Synonyms: foundation

2. an institution supported by an endowmentSynonyms: foundation

3. lowest support of a structureExamples: "it was built on a base of solid rock"; "he stood at the foot of the tower"Synonyms: base, foot, foundation, fundament, groundwork, substructure, understructure

4. education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledgeExamples: "he lacks the foundation necessary for advanced study"; "a good grounding in mathematics"Synonyms: foundation, grounding

5. the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explainedExamples: "the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture"Synonyms: base, basis, cornerstone, foundation, fundament, groundwork

6. a woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the bodySynonyms: foundation, foundation garment