corner-stone

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stone forming a corner of a building: "corner-stone" refers to a stone that forms the corner of a structure, often placed at the base of a wall for strength and alignment.
   • A foundational stone: In construction, it is a stone that is set at the foundation of a building, often ceremonially, to mark the beginning of construction.
   • A fundamental element: Figuratively, "corner-stone" means something that is essential, basic, or of primary importance upon which other things depend.

Usage Examples

• Noun (literal):

  • The builder carefully placed the corner-stone at the southeast corner of the new church. (A stone forming the corner of the building's foundation.)
  • Archaeologists found an ancient corner-stone with inscriptions. (A foundational stone from an old structure.)

• Noun (figurative):

  • Freedom of speech is a corner-stone of democratic societies. (An essential and fundamental principle.)
  • Her research became the corner-stone of modern physics. (The basic, foundational work for further developments.)

Advanced Usage

• "to lay the corner-stone": to place the first or most important stone in a building's foundation, often in a ceremony.

  • The mayor laid the corner-stone of the new library last week. (He performed the ceremonial placement.)

• "corner-stone of a theory": the fundamental idea or principle that supports an entire theory.

  • The theory's corner-stone is the assumption that all particles are waves. (The essential, supporting concept.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cornerstone (n): alternative spelling without the hyphen, equally common.
  • Honesty is the cornerstone of their friendship. (The fundamental principle.)
• Corner-stones (n, plural): multiple such stones or foundational elements.
  • These two documents are the corner-stones of the legal system. (The essential bases.)

Synonyms

• Foundation: the base on which something stands or is supported.
• Basis: the underlying support or main ingredient.
• Pillar: a person or thing regarded as reliably providing essential support.
• Keystone: the central stone in an arch that holds the other stones in place; figuratively, the most important part.

Related Idioms

• "the corner-stone of something": the most basic and important part of something.

  • Trust is the corner-stone of any successful relationship. (Trust is the essential foundation.)

• "lay the corner-stone for something": to establish the basis for future development.

  • The new law laid the corner-stone for educational reform. (It provided the fundamental starting point.)