Cornerstone is a term that refers to a fundamental element of a larger structure or system. It is typically a part of a structural system, such as a building or a bridge, that supports the main structure and is the starting point for further structure. The cornerstone is usually the most stable and essential element to the success of the larger system. It is also sometimes used figuratively, to refer to a beginning point for a new project or a project that serves as a launching pad for future endeavors. In addition to its literal meaning, the term cornerstone has taken on metaphorical significance in recent decades. It describes a crucial element of something's purpose and the foundation upon which it is built. The cornerstone is often used as a symbolic point of reference from which all other measurements and alignments can be taken. The concept of cornerstone is present in many different languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Swedish, Chinese, German, Czech, Portuguese, Slovak, Hindu, and Dutch Lingo. The word cornerstone is a noun and is used to refer to a stone placed at the corner of a structure to signify that it has been founded. Synonyms of cornerstone include corner post, foundation stone, keystone, touchstone, pivotal point, and origin. Conversely, the antonym of cornerstone is capstone. To design a better cornerstone, it is essential to consider the stability, strength, and durability of the material used. The cornerstone should be able to withstand the weight and pressure of the structure it supports. It is also crucial to ensure that the cornerstone is placed accurately and securely to prevent any structural issues in the future.
foundation, stability, metaphorical, symbolic, durability
Architecture is a form of fine art that requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of the interplay between form and function. A cornerstone is a stone at the corner of a building, which gives it its structural integrity and helps to ensure its stability. In architecture, the cornerstone is the first stone laid in the construction of a building and is considered the foundation upon which its entire structure is built. The cornerstone is typically inscribed with a message or marking to commemorate the building's construction and is often considered to be the most important stone in the building. It serves as a symbolic representation of the building's history and is often crafted out of a material that is not easily eroded or tarnished.
Stability, structure, foundation, symbolism, commemoration.
Masonry is an ancient building technique that has been used for centuries to construct stunning homes, buildings, and monuments. The cornerstone of this method is the use of stones, blocks, and other masonry materials to create durable and aesthetically pleasing architecture. A cornerstone is a large stone which is placed at the base of an edifice during its construction, with the purpose of providing a symbolic foundation for a larger structure. It is usually placed at the corner of the structure, hence its name. As the cornerstone is the foundation for the entire building, it is often used as a symbolic point of reference from which all other measurements and alignments can be taken.
Stability, Strength, Form, Design, Durability
The term Cornerstone denotes a vital element in the structure of a building, or any established system or order. It refers to the chief or most essential part or feature upon which something is based, or which is fundamental or important. In linguistics, a variety of different words are used to express the same concept across different languages. For example, in French, the term would be Pierre Angulaire, in Spanish Piedra Angular, in Italian Pietra Angolare, Polish Kamień Węgielny, Russian Угловой Камень (Ugolovoy Kamen), and in Japanese シャーストーン (Sha-Sutoon). In Swedish, the word used is Hörnsten, whilst in Chinese it's 角石 (Jiao Shi). In German, Grundstein is used, and in Czech Kámen Úhelník. The concept of Cornerstone is also present in many other languages, including Portuguese, Slovak, Hindu, and Dutch Lingo.
Angular, Chief, Chiefest, Essential, Foundation, Fundamental, Key, Prime, Principal, Stone, Basis, Bedrock, Corner, Rock, Basic, Bottom, Cornerstone, Corner-stone, Foundation-stone, Pivot, Rudimentary, Core, Cornering, Cornering-stone, Groundstone, Linchp
The word ‘cornerstone’ is a noun, and is used to refer to a stone placed at the corner of a structure to signify that it has been founded. Synonyms of ‘cornerstone’ include ‘corner post’, ‘foundation stone’, ‘keystone’, ‘touchstone’, ‘pivotal point’ and ‘origin’. Conversely, the antonym of ‘cornerstone’ is ‘capstone’. Cognates of ‘cornerstone’ vary by language; in Spanish, the cognate is ‘esquina’, while in French it is ‘pierre angulaire’. Variants of the word ‘cornerstone’ include ‘cornerstones’, ‘corner-stone’, ‘corner stones’ and ‘corner-stones’.
Etymology, Morphology, Cornerstone, Origin, Word Formation
The word Cornerstone has been used in English for centuries, and its origins can be tracked to the early thirteenth century from Scotland. Over time, the word changed in meaning and usage, adapting to fit the needs of different contexts. Initially, the word was used more metaphorically and referred to the fundamental foundation upon which something was built. By the mid-eighteenth century, its meaning had become literal and it was used to refer to the large stone at the base of a wall or building used to provide stability. The further meaning of the word has been taken to a metaphorical level in recent decades, where it describes a crucial element of something’s purpose and the foundation upon which it is built. Morphologically, the word ‘cornerstone’ is composed of two separate words; 'corner' and ‘stone’. These two words are linked together to form a new composite word with its own distinct meaning. Furthermore, this word is a lexical item with a high level of pragmatics, as it can effectively convey ideas and sentiments with a single term.
Etymology, Morphology, Historical, Contextual, Pragmatics
Cornerstone is a design process that involves the creation of a primary, foundational design from which other designs, processes, and products can be developed or modified. This process often involves the integration of multiple components, such as research and development, engineering, market analysis, and production. The cornerstone design is intended to provide a base from which further iterations can be developed. It is typically used to create a prototype that can be tested and modified until the desired outcome is achieved. The cornerstone design process is used to create a product that is efficient, effective, and cost-effective.
Design, Process, Prototype, Iteration.
Cornerstone is a term used to refer to a foundational element of a larger construct. It is typically a part of a structural system, such as a building or a bridge, that supports the main structure and is the starting point for further structure. This element is usually the most stable, and as such is essential to the success of the larger system. It is also sometimes used figuratively, to refer to a beginning point for a new project, or a project that serves as a launching pad for future endeavors.
Cornerstone, Architecture, Design, Foundation, Structural System.
CITATION : "Lauren Moore. 'Cornerstone.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=191065 (Accessed on July 08, 2025)"
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