Edifice Meaning
/ˈɛd.ɪ.fɪs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA building; a structure; an architectural fabric, especially a large and spectacular one.
nounAn abstract structure, such as a school of thought, an argument, a theoretical position, etc.
Sentence Examples
The new edifice of the theatre looks very splendid.
This edifice is a mosque.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The great ancient ____ stood tall in the center of the city.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The new ____ of the theatre looks very splendid.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English edifice, from Old French edifice, a classical borrowing of Latin aedificium (“building”), derived from aedificāre (“to build, establish”) (whence also English edify).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The real difficulty was moral, not intellectual. Was the whole edifice of Ptolemy to be destroyed?"
— 1904, Edward S. Holden, “Copernicus”, in Popular science monthly, volume 65, page 117:
"With a great thump on the table, Poirot demolished his carefully built up edifice."
— 1920, Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, London: Pan Books, published 1954, page 165:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The great ancient ____ stood tall in the center of the city.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The new ____ of the theatre looks very splendid.