cornerstone
/ˈkɔɹ.nɚ.stoʊn/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.39 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
3
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A stone forming the base at the corner of a building.
noun
Such a stone used ceremonially, often inscribed with the architect's and owner's names, dates and other details.
noun
That which is prominent, fundamental, noteworthy, or central.
Example Sentences
- "Clutch it like a cornerstone Otherwise it all comes down Justify denials and Grip 'em to the lonesome end"
- "The cornerstone on the Flatiron Building is set on the Fifth Avenue facade."
- "Exceptional service is the cornerstone of the hospitality industry."
- "That is the cornerstone of any meaningful debate about budgets and projects, regulations and policies."
- "Jewish immigrants came together with other foreign-born groups in organizations like the Industrial Workers of the World, helping to create one of the cornerstones of the American left."
Etymology
From Middle English corner ston; equivalent to corner + stone. The figurative sense is in part after Psalm 118:22, and is also quoted several times in the New Testament.
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈkɔɹ.nɚ.stoʊn/
- British English: /ˈkɔː.nə.stəʊn/
Inflected Forms
cornerstones (plural)
corner stone (alternative)