Definition

1. 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  • If this law is repealed, the whole edifice of regulation could collapse.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

1. 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