奠定

diàndìng

verb HSK 7-9 #32,655

Meanings

1 to lay (a foundation)
2 to establish firmly

Characters

to establish; to settle

to fix; to determine

Both characters mean 'to establish/settle,' reinforcing the idea of creating something stable and lasting.

Examples

这次成功奠定了他在行业中的地位。

Zhè cì chénggōng diàndìng le tā zài hángyè zhōng de dìwèi.

This success established his position in the industry.

良好的教育为未来奠定了基础。

Liánghǎo de jiàoyù wèi wèilái diàndìng le jīchǔ.

A good education lays the foundation for the future.

Tips

usage

奠定 almost always collocates with 基础 (foundation) or 地位 (position/status). The pattern 为...奠定了基础 (laid the foundation for...) is extremely common in formal writing and speeches.

Stroke Order

奠 diàn

定 dìng