cornerstone
Cornerstone (noun) means a stone set at the base corner of a building, sometimes laid ceremonially with an inscription. Example: “The mayor laid the cornerstone of the new library in 1925.”
noun
1
A stone set at the base corner of a building, sometimes laid ceremonially with an inscription.
"The mayor laid the cornerstone of the new library in 1925."
"Clutch it like a cornerstone Otherwise it all comes down Justify denials and Grip 'em to the lonesome end"
— “The Grudge”, The Grudge (2001)
2
The fundamental basis or most important part of something.
"Trust is the cornerstone of any strong marriage."
How to use cornerstone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA foundation stone of a building, or figuratively the essential basis of something.
Common pairings
cornerstone of
lay the cornerstone
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Word forms
- Plural
- cornerstones
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The mayor laid the _____ of the new library in 1925.
Etymology
From Middle English "corner ston"; the figurative sense echoes a well-known biblical image found in Psalms and repeated in the New Testament.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cornerstone
See all rhymes for 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.
