根底(こんてい)

こんてい
noun
foundation, basis, root
1. foundation, basis, root, bedrock
The deepest underlying layer or foundation of something abstract, such as a belief system, culture, or way of thinking. Emphasizes what lies at the very bottom, supporting everything above it.
信頼(しんらい)が関係(かんけい)の根底(こんてい)にある。
Trust lies at the foundation of the relationship.
その考(かんが)えは社会(しゃかい)の根底(こんてい)を揺(ゆ)るがす。
That idea shakes the very foundations of society.
彼(かれ)の行動(こうどう)の根底(こんてい)には、家族(かぞく)への深(ふか)い愛情(あいじょう)がある。
Deep love for his family lies at the root of his actions.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 根底(こんてい)にある: to lie at the foundation of
  • 根底(こんてい)から覆(くつがえ)す: to overturn from the foundations
  • 根底(こんてい)を揺(ゆ)るがす: to shake the very foundations
  • 根底(こんてい)から崩(くず)れる: to collapse from the base

USAGE:
根底(こんてい) is almost always used for abstract things — beliefs, relationships, systems, cultures. The most characteristic pattern is 根底(こんてい)にある (to underlie), describing what exists at the deepest level.

SIMILAR WORDS:
根本(こんぽん) focuses on the fundamental origin or cause. 根底(こんてい) emphasizes the deepest underlying layer that supports everything above it.

Related Words

Synonym: 根本(こんぽん)
general
Added 2026.2.23 20:16
13000/13115_kontei