founding
/ˈfaʊndɪŋ/
noun
Origin
Latin
fundare — to lay the bottom or foundation
Overview
Meaning Now
- The act or process of establishing an institution, organization, or settlement.
- The process of producing metal castings by melting and pouring into molds.
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
founding
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The dual meaning of 'founding' arises from two distinct Latin verbs that merged in English via Old French: 'fundare' (to establish) and 'fundere' (to pour or cast molten metal).
Evolution
- Latin
fundare
“to base or establish”
- Old French
fonder
“to establish, to melt (metal)”
- Middle English
founding
“establishing; casting of metal”
Used in both the senses of creating an institution and working with molten metal
Connections
Word parts
found
root
to establish or to melt metal
-ing
suffix
verbal noun or process marker
Related across languages
French
fondation
establishment
Spanish
fundación
foundation
Explore next
Related to founding
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.