Definition

1. Noun:
   • A primary source of support or stability: A person or thing that is the most important part of something, providing essential strength and continuity.
   • A chief support: A principal pillar or backbone of an organization, system, or community.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Agriculture is the mainstay of the country's economy.
  • For decades, she has been the mainstay of the local theater company.
  • This product line is the financial mainstay of our business.

Advanced Usage

• "To be the mainstay of something": To be the central and most dependable element.
  • Renewable energy is becoming the mainstay of our power grid.
• Used to describe something that is enduring and fundamental.
  • Trust and communication are the mainstays of a healthy relationship.

Variants and Related Words

• Mainstays (plural noun): Multiple primary supports.
  • These core principles are the mainstays of our philosophy.
• Backbone (noun): A central or main support, often used similarly.
• Cornerstone (noun): An indispensable and fundamental basis.
• Linchpin (noun): A person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization.

Synonyms

• Pillar: A person or thing regarded as reliably providing essential support.
• Anchor: A person or thing that provides stability or confidence.
• Bulwark: A person, institution, or principle that acts as a defense.
• Keystone: The central part on which everything else depends.

Related Phrases

• "A mainstay of treatment": A standard, fundamental part of a medical or therapeutic approach.
  • Exercise and diet are a mainstay of treatment for managing this condition.
• "The mainstay of the diet": The most common or important component of what people eat.
  • Rice is the mainstay of the diet in many cultures.

Related Idioms

• "To be a tower of strength": Similar in meaning to being a reliable mainstay, especially a person.
  • During the crisis, my sister was a tower of strength for the whole family.

Noun

1. the forestay that braces the mainmast
2. a central cohesive source of support and stability
   • faith is his anchor
   • the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money
   • he is the linchpin of this firm
3. a prominent supporter
   • he is a pillar of the community