mainstay — A person or thing that acts as a chief support or most reliable element; something that serves as a principal foundation or source of stability.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A person or thing that acts as a chief support or most reliable element; something that serves as a principal foundation or source of stability.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmeɪn.steɪ/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother was the mainstay of our chaotic family dinners.
- Pizza became the mainstay of his diet during college years.
- Tourism is the mainstay of the island's economy.
mainstay
NOUN[/ˈmeɪn.steɪ/]
A person or thing that acts as a chief support or most reliable element; something that serves as a principal foundation or source of stability.
A person or thing that acts as a chief support or most reliable element; something that serves as a principal foundation or source of stability.
The mainstay will stay while others decay!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From nautical terminology, literally meaning the rope that supports a ship's mainsail. Since the mainsail was the primary source of power for large ships, the rope supporting it was considered crucial for the vessel's operation.
Breakdown
main (primary/chief) + stay (supporting rope or cable in nautical terms)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“My grandmother was the mainstay of our chaotic family dinners.”
“Pizza became the mainstay of his diet during college years.”
“Tourism is the mainstay of the island's economy.”
“His jokes were the mainstay of every boring meeting.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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