Definition

Noun: 1. A ceremonial stone: A literal stone, often inscribed, that is placed during a special ceremony to formally mark the beginning of construction of a significant building. 2. A fundamental basis: Used metaphorically to refer to an essential element, principle, or starting point upon which something is built or developed.

Usage Examples

• Literal Meaning:
  • The mayor laid the foundation stone for the new library in a public ceremony.
  • The date on the foundation stone showed the building was over a century old.
• Metaphorical Meaning:
  • Trust is the foundation stone of any strong relationship.
  • This early research provided the foundation stone for the entire theory.

Advanced Usage

• "to lay the foundation stone for something": To initiate or begin something important that is expected to grow or develop.
  • The peace treaty laid the foundation stone for decades of cooperation.
• "cornerstone": A closely related term often used interchangeably in its metaphorical sense, though a "cornerstone" is technically a stone at the corner of a building.

Variants and Related Words

• Foundation (n): The base or underlying support upon which something is built, either physically (the building's foundation) or abstractly (the foundation of an argument).
• Cornerstone (n): Can be synonymous with "foundation stone" in its ceremonial and metaphorical uses.

Synonyms

• Bedrock: The solid foundation or fundamental principle.
• Basis: The underlying support or foundation for an idea or process.
• Keystone: The central, essential part on which everything depends (originating from architecture).

Idioms and Related Phrases

• "To be set in stone": To be fixed, permanent, and unchangeable. (Note: This idiom uses "stone" but is not specific to "foundation stone").
  • The plan is a draft; it's not set in stone yet.

Noun

1. a stone laid at a ceremony to mark the founding of a new building