Founded: meaning, definitions and examples

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founded

 

[ˈfaʊndɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

business

To establish or set up an organization, especially a company or institution.

Synonyms

create, establish, set-up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
founded

Used when referring to the beginning or creation of an organization, institution, or settlement, often with a sense of history.

  • The university was founded in 1819.
  • She founded the charity to help children in need.
establish

Often used in formal or professional contexts when referring to the creation of systems, organizations, or procedures, emphasizing the stability and permanence.

  • The company was established in 1990.
  • They aim to establish a new standard for quality.
create

Used for making something exist that did not exist before, often referring to a wide range of things like stories, art, products, or ideas.

  • He wants to create a new app.
  • They created a beautiful painting together.
set-up

Used informally to describe the arrangement of equipment, systems, or temporary structures, or when referring to the initiation of activities.

  • She set-up her new computer.
  • We set-up a stand at the market.

Examples of usage

  • He founded his own company in 2005.
  • The university was founded in 1872.
Context #2 | Verb

history

To lay the groundwork for something that is to come.

Synonyms

establish, institute, originate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
founded

Used when referring to the origin or beginning of an organization, institution, or settlement, typically in the past.

  • Harvard University was founded in 1636.
  • The city was founded by settlers in the early 19th century.
establish

Used when describing the act of setting up an organization, system, or set of rules that is intended to last for a long time.

  • They established a new company to manufacture eco-friendly products.
  • The government plans to establish new guidelines for healthcare.
originate

Used when discussing the point or place where something begins or is derived from, often used in a more abstract or less formal sense.

  • The tradition is believed to have originated in ancient Rome.
  • This recipe originated from my grandmother.
institute

Typically used in formal or professional contexts, referring to the creation or initiation of a new law, policy, or system.

  • The university decided to institute a new scholarship program.
  • The school board instituted a policy to reduce bullying.

Examples of usage

  • The city was founded on principles of equality and justice.
  • The organization was founded on the idea of promoting art and culture.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'founded' comes from the Latin term 'fundare', which means 'to lay a base or establish'.
  • It is closely related to the word 'foundation', which refers to the base on which something stands, both literally and figuratively.
  • First used in English around the 14th century, it has evolved to signify the establishment of various entities.

Historical Significance

  • Many major cities around the world have founding dates that mark significant events in history, such as Jamestown in 1607 in America.
  • The founding of nations is often celebrated with national holidays, like Independence Day in the U.S.
  • Landmarks, such as universities and museums, often have ceremonies marking their founding, which celebrate their contributions to education and culture.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, the concept of 'founding' represents stability and growth, often linked with family and community ties.
  • The founding stories of many civilizations are told through myths and legends, emphasizing values such as bravery and ingenuity.
  • The act of founding organizations or movements is often associated with social change and progress, especially in activist communities.

Science and Technology

  • In the world of startups, 'founded' can signify the beginning of innovation, like when tech companies create new apps or platforms.
  • Scientific breakthroughs are often 'founded' on the work of earlier researchers, highlighting the collaborative nature of discovery.
  • Founding principles in science lay the groundwork for understanding complex systems, such as in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Literature

  • In many literary works, the themes of founding and establishment often serve as metaphors for personal or societal growth.
  • Classic novels often tell the story of protagonists 'founding' new paths in their lives, symbolizing change and evolution.
  • Poetry sometimes uses the idea of being 'founded' as a basis to explore identity and belonging in different cultures.

Translations

Translations of the word "founded" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fundado

🇮🇳 स्थापित

🇩🇪 gegründet

🇮🇩 didirikan

🇺🇦 заснований

🇵🇱 założony

🇯🇵 設立された

🇫🇷 fondé

🇪🇸 fundado

🇹🇷 kurulmuş

🇰🇷 설립된

🇸🇦 مؤسس

🇨🇿 založený

🇸🇰 založený

🇨🇳 创立

🇸🇮 ustanovljen

🇮🇸 stofnað

🇰🇿 негізделген

🇬🇪 დაარსებული

🇦🇿 əsaslandırılmış

🇲🇽 fundado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,253, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.