foundation-stone

The mayor lays the foundation-stone for the new library.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stone forming part of the foundation of a building: The "foundation-stone" is a specific stone (often the first or ceremonial one) that is set in place during the laying of a building's foundation, typically with a ceremony.
   • A basis or starting point: Metaphorically, a "foundation-stone" refers to the fundamental principle, idea, or element upon which something is built or established.

Usage Examples

• Literal (building):

  • The mayor laid the foundation-stone for the new library in a public ceremony. (A physical stone placed as part of the building's base.)
  • The foundation-stone was engraved with the date of construction. (A stone that marks the start of the building work.)

• Metaphorical (abstract):

  • Education is the foundation-stone of a prosperous society. (The essential basis for development.)
  • Trust is the foundation-stone of any successful relationship. (The core principle that supports the relationship.)

Advanced Usage

• "to lay a foundation-stone": to formally begin a project or initiative, often with a symbolic ceremony.

  • The company laid the foundation-stone for its new headquarters last week. (They officially started the construction.)

• "a foundation-stone of something": a fundamental, indispensable part of a system or concept.

  • Freedom of speech is a foundation-stone of democracy. (It is a basic, essential element.)

Variants and Related Words

• Foundation (n): the base on which something stands; the underlying basis.
  • The foundation of the house is made of concrete. (The physical base.)
• Cornerstone (n): a stone forming the base of a corner of a building; often used synonymously with "foundation-stone" in a metaphorical sense.
  • The cornerstone of the theory is its simplicity. (The fundamental part.)

Synonyms

• Cornerstone: a fundamental stone or principle.
• Keystone: the central stone in an arch that holds the others in place; metaphorically, the essential element.
• Base: the bottom support of something.
• Bedrock: solid rock underlying loose deposits; metaphorically, the solid foundation.

Related Idioms

• Lay the foundation: to establish the basis for something.
  • The early experiments laid the foundation for modern physics. (Provided the essential groundwork.)
• Build on a solid foundation: to have a strong, reliable basis.
  • Their friendship was built on a solid foundation of mutual respect. (It was well-established and stable.)