Word
cornerstone
Phoneticscor·ner·stone, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɔɹnɝˌstoʊn/
UK/kˈɔːnəstˌəʊn/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the most important part of an idea, plan, or system that everything else is built on.
n. the fundamental or essential element upon which something is based or developed.
Examples
“Trust is the cornerstone of our friendship.”
“Regular exercise is the cornerstone of her new health plan.”
“The rule of law remains the cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that no individual stands above the established legal framework.”
Examples
simple
“Trust is the cornerstone of our friendship.”
contextual
“Regular exercise is the cornerstone of her new health plan.”
complex
“The rule of law remains the cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that no individual stands above the established legal framework.”
Real-World Examples
“Soil carbon is a cornerstone of soil health, supporting nutrient cycling, biological activity, soil structure and the long-term functioning of soil ecosystems.” “While talk of Rodri, a cornerstone of City’s success in recent seasons, potentially leaving the club has dominated the headlines, Maresca insisted his attention was on Sunday’s match rather than the transfer window.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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