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

HSK 4

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.

HSK 4

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