Cornerstone
'kɔːrnərstəʊn
Definitions
A fundamental element or basis; something of central importance.
'kɔːrnərstəʊn
The first stone laid in the construction of a building, fundamental stone
The new hospital's cornerstone was laid by the mayor.
💡 Simply: Imagine building a Lego castle. The first brick you put down sets everything up. A cornerstone is the first, most important part of something, like the beginning of a plan or the start of a building. It's what everything else is built upon.
👶 For kids: The first stone in a building. Also, the most important part of something.
More Examples
The company's commitment to innovation is a cornerstone of its success.
Honesty and integrity form the cornerstone of his character.
How It's Used
"The cornerstone was laid with great ceremony."
"Education is the cornerstone of a successful society."
"The cornerstone of the temple was found during the excavation."
Idioms & expressions
lay the cornerstone
To establish something; to start a project or institution in a formal way.
"The president will lay the cornerstone for the new research center next week."
From Middle English "corner ston", referring to the first stone set in the construction of a building, which determines the alignment of all the other stones. Symbolically, it became associated with foundational principles.
Historically, the cornerstone often held a time capsule containing historical information and was a formal part of the building dedication ceremony.
Memory tip
Think of the stone that starts a building, the essential piece, this is the cornerstone.