Explanation of "Foundation Stone"
Definition:
A "foundation stone" is a large stone that is placed at the beginning of a building's construction. It is often laid during a special ceremony to celebrate the start of the building project. This stone symbolizes the beginning and importance of the building.
Usage Instructions:
Use "foundation stone" when talking about construction, architecture, or the start of a significant project.
It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is essential for building or creating something important, like values or principles.
Examples:
Literal Use: "The mayor attended the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the new library."
Metaphorical Use: "Trust is the foundation stone of any successful relationship."
Advanced Usage:
In advanced contexts, "foundation stone" can be used in discussions about philosophy, business, or education, indicating a fundamental principle or value that supports a larger idea or system.
Word Variants:
Foundation (noun): The base upon which something is built, can also refer to the underlying basis of an idea or system.
Foundation (verb): To establish or create something.
Different Meanings:
In a broader sense, "foundation stone" can refer to any basic or essential element that supports a larger structure or concept, not just in construction but in various fields such as law, ethics, or social structures.
Synonyms:
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"Lay the groundwork": This idiom means to prepare or establish the basic framework for something, similar to laying a foundation stone.
"Build on a solid foundation": This means to create something based on strong and reliable principles or ideas.
Summary:
Overall, "foundation stone" is an important term that can refer to both a physical stone used in construction and a metaphor for essential principles in various contexts.