cornerstone
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A stone at the outer corner of two intersecting masonry walls: A foundational stone that forms the corner of a building's structure. 2. A stone in the exterior of a large and important building; usually carved with a date and laid with appropriate ceremonies: A ceremonial stone, often inscribed, placed at a formal building event to signify its commencement. 3. The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained: The most essential part or basis upon which something is built or depends.
Usage Examples
- Literal (Building Stone):
- The architect inspected the cornerstone to ensure the walls were aligned correctly.
- The ceremony for laying the cornerstone of the new library will be held next week.
- Figurative (Fundamental Part):
- Trust is the cornerstone of any strong relationship.
- This scientific discovery became the cornerstone of modern physics.
Advanced Usage
- "To be/lay/serve as the cornerstone of (something)": To be the most important, fundamental element that supports something else.
- Free speech is the cornerstone of a democratic society.
- The new evidence laid the cornerstone for a revised theory.
Variants and Related Words
- Cornerstone is a compound noun formed from "corner" and "stone." It does not have direct verb or adjective forms.
- Foundation stone: A very close synonym, especially for the literal and ceremonial meanings.
Synonyms
- Basis: The underlying support or foundation.
- Bedrock: The solid foundation or fundamental principle.
- Foundation: The base upon which something stands or is supported.
- Keystone: The central, most important part of an idea or system (architecturally, the central stone at the top of an arch).
Related Phrases
- To rest on a cornerstone: To be supported by a fundamental principle.
- The entire legal argument rested on the cornerstone of precedent.
Related Idioms
- "The cornerstone of [something]": This is the most common idiomatic usage, directly employing the word's figurative meaning to indicate indispensability.
- Regular practice is the cornerstone of musical mastery.
Noun
- a stone at the outer corner of two intersecting masonry walls
- a stone in the exterior of a large and important building; usually carved with a date and laid with appropriate ceremonies
- the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
- the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture