Founder: meaning, definitions and examples

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founder

 

[ ˈfaʊndΙ™r ]

Context #1

business

A person who establishes an organization, company, or institution.

Synonyms

creator, establisher, originator

Examples of usage

  • He is the founder of a successful startup company.
  • The founder of the company started with a small idea and grew it into a global brand.
Context #2

history

The person who established a colony or settlement.

Synonyms

colonizer, pioneer, settler

Examples of usage

  • The founder of the first European settlement in the Americas is often credited with starting the new world.
  • The founders of the ancient city built it from the ground up.
Context #3

religion

The person who establishes a religious sect, belief, or community.

Synonyms

leader, messiah, prophet

Examples of usage

  • The founder of the new religious movement attracted many followers.
  • The teachings of the founder are still followed by the members of the community.
Context #4

general

To establish or originate something.

Synonyms

create, establish, start

Examples of usage

  • She founded a charity organization to help those in need.
  • The city was founded by immigrants seeking a better life.

Word origin

The word 'founder' originated from Middle English 'foundour', from Old French 'fondeur', from Latin 'funditor', from 'fundere' meaning 'to pour, melt'. The term originally referred to a person who casts metal or creates something by melting and pouring material into a mold. Over time, the meaning evolved to include someone who establishes or creates an organization, colony, or belief system. The concept of a founder has been significant in various fields such as business, history, and religion, highlighting the importance of innovation and leadership in shaping societies and communities.

See also: foundable, foundation, foundational, founded, founders, foundling, profound, unfounded.