cornerstone

CEFRB2

/kˈɔrnəˌrstoʊn/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    An important part that supports or forms the basis of something.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    Such a stone used ceremonially, often inscribed with the architect's and owner's names, dates and other details.

Examples

  • It also forms a vital cornerstone of the strategy for sustainable development.

  • Make solidarity and equal rights the cornerstone of public policy.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
4
Parts of speech
1
Citations
2

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. That which is prominent, fundamental, noteworthy, or central.

  2. A stone forming the base at the corner of a building.

More examples

In context

  • Exceptional service is the cornerstone of the hospitality industry.

  • That is the cornerstone of any meaningful debate about budgets and projects, regulations and policies.

  • The cornerstone on the Flatiron Building is set on the Fifth Avenue facade.

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The new library's blank was laid during a ceremony attended by the mayor.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From Middle English corner ston; equivalent to corner + stone. The figurative sense is in part after Psalm 118:22, and is also quoted several times in the New Testament.