Word
bedrock
US/ˈbɛˌdɹɑk/
UK/bˈɛdɹɒk/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the solid rock that lies under the loose soil on the ground. It also means the basic ideas or facts that support a whole system.
n. the solid rock underlying surface materials such as soil or gravel; figuratively, the fundamental principles on which something is based.
Examples
“Honesty is the bedrock of a good relationship.”
“The engineers had to drill deep into the earth to anchor the skyscraper's foundation into the bedrock.”
“The principle of free speech is considered the bedrock of democratic society, providing the essential framework for all other civil liberties to function effectively.”
Examples
simple
“Honesty is the bedrock of a good relationship.”
contextual
“The engineers had to drill deep into the earth to anchor the skyscraper's foundation into the bedrock.”
complex
“The principle of free speech is considered the bedrock of democratic society, providing the essential framework for all other civil liberties to function effectively.”
Usage
Often used figuratively with the preposition 'of' to describe a foundation for abstract concepts.
Real-World Examples
“Peer review is “the bedrock of science,” Semprini said.” “This transition indicates that the dominant erosion process evolved from pre-earthquake surface soil erosion to earthquake-triggered bedrock landsliding.” Etymology
From bed (“a layer on top of which something else rests.”) + rock.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/bedrock