Meaning
foundation, basis
- foundation, basis (figurative)
- foundations (physical, irregular plural 'fondamenta')
In a sentence
La fiducia è il fondamento di ogni amicizia.
Trust is the foundation of every friendship.
Hai un fondamento per dire una cosa così?
Do you have a basis for saying something like that?
Questo progetto non ha solide fondamenta.
This project doesn't have solid foundations.
Word forms (3)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| fondamento | masculine · singular |
| fondamenti | masculine · plural |
| fondamenta | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Usually singular in abstract use: il fondamento di una teoria. Plural fondamenti is common for principles or actual structural foundations.
- More formal than base or basilare. Use fondamento in academic, legal, philosophical, or technical contexts.
- Common pattern: fondamento di + noun. Also avere/trovare fondamento in qualcosa for claims supported by evidence.
- also le fondamenta (feminine plural, different meaning)