Learn Vocabulary: Foundation, Reinforce, Maximum | Khan Academy

Understanding 'Foundation'

• 📌 'Foundation' is a noun that signifies the base layer of a building or structure.
• 💡 Figuratively, it represents the underlying factor or idea upon which something else is based, like trust for a business.

Defining 'Reinforce'

• 🛠️ 'Reinforce' is a verb meaning to strengthen something by adding to it.
• 🏗️ An example is adding steel rods (rebar) to concrete to make it stronger, illustrating the concept of reinforcing a structure.

Exploring 'Maximum'

• 📊 'Maximum' can be a noun or an adjective, denoting the highest or greatest amount.
• 🚢 In a sentence, it refers to the largest number of people that can fit on a sailboat, its capacity.

Word Origins and Roots

• 🌱 'Foundation' derives from 'found' or 'fund' (base/bottom) and the suffix '-tion', indicating the thing that forms the bottom.
• 🔗 'Reinforce' combines 're' (again/more), 'in' (in), and the Latin root 'fort' (strength), emphasizing adding strength.
• 🌟 'Maximum' originates from the Latin word 'magnus' (big), with the root 'magna' relating to bigness or largeness.

Sentence Examples

• 🏢 The literal use of 'foundation' is shown when an engineer states, "The foundation is crumbling."
• ⛵ 'Reinforce' is used when describing strengthening a sailboat with steel plating against potential dangers.
• ⚓ The 'maximum' capacity of the sailboat is stated as four persons, highlighting the greatest number allowed.