cornerstones

Fundamental building blocks

Cornerstones are the foundation stones placed at the corner of a building, traditionally the first stones laid and often ceremonially marked with dates or inscriptions.

From this literal meaning comes the more common figurative use: the essential elements upon which something is built or depends.

Trust is the cornerstone of any good relationship.

The cornerstones of democracy include free speech and voting rights.

When something is called a cornerstone, it's being identified as fundamental and indispensable.

foundational

pillars

Load-bearing vertical structures

fundamentalsCore elements of something
bedrockSolid stone underground
principlesFoundational moral beliefs

essentials · basics · underpinnings · tenets · foundations · core · keystones · building blocks · anchors · mainstays

architectural

foundation

Underlying support structure

masonryBuilding with mortared blocks
buildingEnclosed roofed structure
structureArrangement of interconnected parts

quoin · base · wall · monument · laying · ceremony · dedication · plaque · mortar · block

strategic

priorities

Most important things

initiativesSelf-started new efforts
goalsIntended end results
objectivesIntended targets or ends

mission · vision · values · strategy · policy · framework · agenda · platform · manifesto · blueprint

cornerstones

pillars

foundation

priorities

cornerstones

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