Definition
奠定 (diàndìng) is a formal verb meaning 'to lay (a foundation)' or 'to establish (a basis/status)'. It is more specific than the general 建立 (jiànlì 'establish') and is used almost exclusively with abstract nouns like 基础 (foundation) or 地位 (status). Unlike 确立 (quèlì 'firmly establish'), 奠定 emphasizes the initial laying of a foundation rather than the firmness of the result.
verb
(formal) to lay (a foundation)to establish (a basis or status)
Examples
- 奠定。Zhè xiàng xiéyì diàn dìng le liǎng guó chángqī hézuò de jīchǔ.This agreement laid the foundation for long-term cooperation between the two countries.
- 奠定。。Tā de fāmíng diàn dìng le tā zài kējì jiè de quánwēi dìwèi.His invention established his authoritative status in the tech community.
- 奠定。Zhè cì xuǎnjǔ diàn dìng le xīn zhèngdǎng de zhèngzhì jīchǔ.This election laid the political foundation for the new party.
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