Edifice - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

architecture

a building, especially a large, imposing one

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
edifice	This word is typically used for large, impressive buildings, often with historical or architectural significance. The new museum is a magnificent edifice that has become a city landmark. The ancient edifice stood the test of time, showcasing the architectural grandeur of a bygone era.
building	This is a general term for any structure with walls and a roof. It's commonly used in everyday situations and can refer to residential, commercial, or industrial structures. They are putting up a new office building downtown. The building on the corner is over a hundred years old.
structure	This term can refer to anything that has been built or put together. It is often used in technical or formal contexts and can describe anything from buildings to bridges and other fixtures. The engineers inspected the structure for any signs of damage. A lattice structure provides support to the building.
construction	This word refers to the process of building something rather than the finished product. It can also refer to the building itself while it is still being built. The construction of the new bridge is expected to take three years. During the construction, the road will be closed to traffic.

Examples of usage

The old edifice stood tall in the center of town.
The government decided to renovate the historic edifice.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

Many famous structures around the world, like cathedrals and skyscrapers, are termed edifices due to their grandeur.
Edifices often serve as symbols of cultural and historical significance in different societies.
The architectural style of an edifice can convey the era and purpose, from Gothic cathedrals to modern office towers.

Literature

In literature, an edifice can be a metaphor for complex ideas or societal structures, representing something larger than the individual.
Authors often describe edifices to set the tone or symbolize power, influence, or nostalgia within a story.
Edifices frequently appear in poetry to evoke feelings related to history, memory, and time.

Cultural Significance

Capitals around the world boast edifices that serve as governmental symbols, like the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Edifices like the Parthenon in Greece have become iconic symbols of democracy and ancient history.
In some cultures, the construction of grand edifices is seen as a testament to a civilization's achievements.

Urban Development

Edifices play crucial roles in city planning, with their design affecting urban landscapes and communities.
The presence of impressive edifices can contribute to tourism, driving economic growth in urban areas.
Adapting old edifices for modern use demonstrates a city's commitment to preserving history while embracing change.

Origin of 'edifice'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'aedificium,' meaning 'building' or 'structure.'
In Old French, it transitioned to 'édifice,' which also meant a building, highlighting its long history.
It combines 'aedes,' meaning 'building,' and 'facere,' meaning 'to make.'

The word 'edifice' originates from the Latin word 'aedificium', which means building or structure. Over time, it evolved in Old French and Middle English before becoming the word we know today. Throughout history, edifices have been important symbols of power, culture, and architectural achievement.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,969, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10966 accelerating
10967 profitably
10968 slim
10969 edifice
10970 barium
10971 hooked
10972 admittedly
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Edifice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations