cornerstone — A fundamental principle or element that serves as the basis for something. An essential foundation upon which other things are built or depend.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A fundamental principle or element that serves as the basis for something. An essential foundation upon which other things are built or depend.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɔːrnɚstoʊn/
Example Sentences
- Pizza became the cornerstone of his diet after he moved to college.
- Education is the cornerstone of personal development.
- His grandmother's secret recipe was the cornerstone of the restaurant's success.
cornerstone
NOUN[/ˈkɔːrnɚstoʊn/]
A fundamental principle or element that serves as the basis for something. An essential foundation upon which other things are built or depend.
A fundamental principle or element that serves as the basis for something. An essential foundation upon which other things are built or depend.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English, combining 'corner' (from Old French cornier) and 'stone' around the 14th century. Originally referred to the foundational stone placed at the corner of a building, later extended metaphorically to mean any fundamental element.
Breakdown
corner (angle where two lines meet) + stone (rock/building material)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“Pizza became the cornerstone of his diet after he moved to college.”
“Education is the cornerstone of personal development.”
“His grandmother's secret recipe was the cornerstone of the restaurant's success.”
“Procrastination had somehow become the cornerstone of his work philosophy.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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