found
UK[faʊnd]US[faʊnd]
v
To establish an institution, organization, or city, often by providing the initial financial support.
v
To be the main supporter or provider of funds for an institution.
v
To melt and pour metal or glass into a mould.
Etymology
The verb 'found' entered English in the late 13th century from Old French fonder, which itself came from Latin fundāre, meaning 'to lay a bottom for, to establish'. This Latin verb is derived from fundus, meaning 'bottom' or 'foundation'. The semantic journey is vividly logical: from the concrete concept of a physical base or bottom, the meaning expanded to the abstract act of establishing something on a firm basis. The distinct verb related to metal-casting shares the same form but has a separate origin, coming from Old French fondre ('to melt') from Latin fundere ('to pour').
Analysis
The word 'found' is a simplex word derived from the Old French verb 'fonder'. It is not productively composed of smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The university was founded in the 18th century to promote scientific learning.
The charitable foundation was founded by a group of wealthy industrialists.
The artist founded the sculpture in bronze using the lost-wax technique.