unfounded
|un-found-ed|
C1
/ʌnˈfaʊndɪd/
lacking basis
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unfounded' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'founded', which comes from the Latin 'fundare', meaning 'to lay the bottom or foundation'.
Historical Evolution
'fundare' transformed into the Old French word 'fonder', and eventually became the modern English word 'found'. The prefix 'un-' was added to form 'unfounded'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not having a foundation', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having no basis in fact'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having no foundation or basis in fact.
The rumors about the company's bankruptcy were unfounded.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35