Word
mainstay
Phoneticsmain·stay, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmeɪnˌsteɪ/
UK/mˈeɪnsteɪ/
Definitions
01chief support
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the most important part of something that provides support or makes it successful.
n. a person or thing on which something else is based or depends; the primary pillar of a system or organization.
“Agriculture remains the mainstay of the country's economy.”
“Small businesses have long been the mainstay of the local economy, providing the majority of employment opportunities in the region.”
02nautical rope
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a strong rope that helps hold up the main mast of a ship.
n. a stay extending from the head of the mainmast forward to the foot of the foremast to prevent the mast from falling aft.
“The sailors checked the mainstay for wear before the storm arrived.”
“The ship's structural integrity was compromised when the mainstay snapped under the immense pressure of the gale-force winds.”
Usage
In modern contexts, this sense is restricted to maritime history or sailing technicalities.
Real-World Examples
“Digital media and the people who star in it have been cultural mainstays for teens' entire lives, so creating social media, video or podcast content seems a natural, albeit nontraditional, career path.” “In his year were other musicians who have also become Grammy mainstays: Chief Adjuah, Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste.” Etymology
From Middle English main stai, equivalent to main + stay (“rope”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADVERB
Domain
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/mainstay