edifice
/'edifis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A large, impressive building: An edifice is a substantial structure, typically one that is large, imposing, or architecturally significant, with a roof and walls, standing permanently in one place.
- A complex system or organization (figurative): In a metaphorical sense, an edifice can refer to an elaborate, interconnected system of ideas, beliefs, or institutions.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (literal):
- The ancient edifice stood as a testament to the empire's power.
- The city's skyline is dominated by glass and steel edifices.
- Noun (figurative):
- The legal edifice built upon that precedent is now being challenged.
- He spent his career constructing an intellectual edifice of economic theory.
Advanced Usage
- "An edifice of lies": A complex, carefully constructed structure of falsehoods.
- The scandal revealed that his public persona was an edifice of lies.
- "To build/shake an edifice": To create or undermine a complex system.
- Her research helped build the edifice of modern physics.
Variants and Related Words
- Edificial (adj, rare): Pertaining to or resembling an edifice.
- The edificial grandeur of the palace was overwhelming.
Synonyms
- Structure: A building or other object constructed from several parts.
- Building: A structure with a roof and walls.
- Construction: The action of building something, or a large structure.
- Monument: A statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a notable person or event.
Related Phrases
- "The whole edifice": Used to refer to an entire system or structure in its totality.
- If this law is repealed, the whole edifice of regulation could collapse.
Noun
- a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
- there was a three-story building on the corner
- it was an imposing edifice