cornerstone
5 synonyms for cornerstone, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A stone set at the base corner of a building, sometimes laid ceremonially with an inscription.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cornerstone
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cornerstone of
lay the cornerstone
Etymology
From Middle English "corner ston"; the figurative sense echoes a well-known biblical image found in Psalms and repeated in the New Testament.
Full origin of cornerstone →Frequently asked questions
What does “cornerstone” mean?
The word “cornerstone” means a stone set at the base corner of a building, sometimes laid ceremonially with an inscription. In plain terms, a foundation stone of a building, or figuratively the essential basis of something.
How do you use “cornerstone” in a sentence?
Here is “cornerstone” used in a sentence: “The mayor laid the cornerstone of the new library in 1925.”
What part of speech is “cornerstone”?
“Cornerstone” is a noun.
Where does the word “cornerstone” come from?
The word “cornerstone” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "corner ston"; the figurative sense echoes a well-known biblical image found in Psalms and repeated in the New Testament.
Is “cornerstone” a common word?
“Cornerstone” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “cornerstone” have?
“Cornerstone” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stone set at the base corner of a building, sometimes laid ceremonially with an inscription.
