Definition

1. Noun:
   • Core / Mainstay / Backbone: The most essential, central, or principal part of a group, organization, system, or structure, providing its primary strength and stability.

Usage Examples

• (Workers are the core force of the factory.)
• (Key teachers play a pivotal role in educational reform.)
• (Infantry is the backbone of the army.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal, political, or organizational contexts to describe the most reliable and crucial element.
• It can function as a noun or be used attributively before another noun (e.g., , ).

Variants and Related Words

• Trụ cột (n): Pillar, mainstay. Often used interchangeably with "nòng cột" but can imply a more individual or figurative support.
  • Anh ấy là trụ cột của gia đình. (He is the pillar of the family.)
• Then chốt (adj): Pivotal, key. Describes something of critical importance.
  • Vị trí then chốt. (A pivotal position.)

Synonyms

• Core: The central and most important part.
• Mainstay: A chief support.
• Backbone: The most substantial or sturdiest part.
• Key element: A fundamentally important component.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Lực lượng nòng cột: Core force.
  • Thanh niên là lực lượng nòng cột trong xây dựng đất nước. (Young people are the core force in national construction.)
• Thành phần nòng cột: Core component/membership.
  • Xác định thành phần nòng cột của đội ngũ. (To identify the core component of the staff.)