Keystone: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe the central, most important part of a system, project, or structure that holds everything together. Often used in construction, architecture, and metaphorically in discussions of systems or plans.

• The keystone of the arch must be perfectly placed to ensure stability.
• In our business model, customer satisfaction is the keystone of our success.

Often refers to a final project or milestone that represents the culmination of a larger body of work, such as in education or careers. Also used in construction to describe the top stone of a building or structure.

• Her capstone project in college involved creating a detailed business plan for a startup.
• The capstone on the pyramid was the final piece added.

Used to describe making a decisive or final agreement, securing a victory, or concluding an event. Often used in business, sports, or negotiations. Can have a slightly aggressive or conclusive connotation.

• They managed to clinch the deal after several rounds of negotiation.
• With that last goal, the team clinched the championship.

Use in architecture to describe the central, wedge-shaped stone at the apex of an arch which holds the other stones in place. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something crucial to the success of a system or structure.

• The keystone of the arch was carefully set in position.
• Trust is the keystone of a strong relationship.

Primarily used in an academic or professional context to describe a final project or culmination of work that integrates and synthesizes learning. It can also mean a finishing stone or coping stone in construction.

• Her master's degree capstone project earned her high marks.
• The capstone of the pyramid was shining brightly in the sun.

Commonly used in architectural and construction contexts to refer to one of the wedge-shaped stones that form an arch, excluding the keystone.

• Each voussoir was carefully carved to fit into the arch.
• The stability of an arch depends on the precise placement of the voussoirs.

Typically used in architecture to describe the central stone at the summit of an arch, buffering other stones into place. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is the central or most important element of a complex system.

• The new policy is the keystone of our strategy to improve company culture.
• In the old bridge, the keystone has held firm for centuries.

Used to denote something of great importance on which other things depend. Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts to emphasize the foundational importance of an element or principle.

• Education is the cornerstone of a successful society.
• Trust is the cornerstone of any strong relationship.

Generally describes the lowest load-bearing part of a building, usually below ground level. Metaphorically, it refers to the basis or groundwork of anything. It is often used in contexts emphasizing the most basic and essential aspects that everything else is built upon.

• Her kindness formed the foundation of her popularity.
• A solid foundation in mathematics is essential for studying engineering.