Skip to content

What is another word for Cornerstone? – 127 Cornerstone Synonyms

    Need another word for Cornerstone? Use these synonyms of Cornerstone from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    foundation basis starting point beginning origin root base keystone linchpin centerpiece mainstay anchor pivot hub nucleus core heart basis fundamental underlying principle groundwork underpinning bedrock foundation stone base stone fundamental principle cardinal principle key element essential element crucial element vital part indispensable part necessary part

    Meaning of Cornerstone

    The primary meaning of the word "cornerstone" refers to a stone or a concept that is fundamental or essential to something, often marking its beginning or foundation.

    Definitions

    • A stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, typically one that is inscribed with the date of construction or other information.
    • * A person or thing that is essential or fundamental to something, such as an organization or system.

    Etymology of Cornerstone

    The word "cornerstone" has its roots in Old English and Middle English, where "corner" referred to a corner or a bend, and "stone" referred to a rock or a stone used in construction. The term initially referred to a physical stone used in building construction, marking the corner of a structure, and later evolved to include metaphorical uses, symbolizing the foundation or starting point of an idea, institution, or project.

    Example Uses

    • The company's mission statement is the cornerstone of its corporate philosophy.
    • * The new policy is the cornerstone of the government's efforts to reduce poverty.
    • * The university's research center is the cornerstone of its academic programs.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    peripheral element secondary factor minor aspect insignificant part nonessential component unimportant detail incidental feature marginal element fringe element secondary consideration minor consideration unimportant consideration trivial matter insignificant matter inconsequential matter negligible factor irrelevant factor unrelated element unnecessary part dispensable part

    Related Nouns

    foundation basis starting point beginning origin root base keystone linchpin centerpiece mainstay anchor pivot hub nucleus core heart principle concept idea theory doctrine philosophy ideology system structure framework institution organization

    Related Verbs

    establish found base build construct create develop formulate initiate launch start begin originate derive stem arise emerge evolve grow develop expand

    Related Adjectives

    fundamental essential vital crucial necessary indispensable primary basic underlying inherent intrinsic central key principal main core cardinal pivotal central foundational underlying basic elementary rudimentary