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Touchstone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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touchstone

[หˆtสŒtสƒหŒstoสŠn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

standard of quality

A touchstone is a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized. It often refers to a fundamental reference point that can be used to evaluate the quality of something. The term originated from the practice of testing the purity of gold or silver using a black stone, where a mark made by the metal would indicate its quality. In modern usage, it extends to any basis for comparison in various fields, including art, literature, and personal achievement.

Synonyms

benchmark, criteria, paradigm, reference point, standard.

Examples of usage

  • The author used classic literature as a touchstone for her new novel.
  • In deciding the winner, the committee referred to a touchstone of creativity and innovation.
  • Trustworthiness is often regarded as a touchstone in professional relationships.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'touchstone' is often used metaphorically to refer to a standard of comparison to judge the quality of other works.
  • Shakespeare famously used the term in his play 'As You Like It', implying a measure of worth against which others can be assessed.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, touchstones symbolize integrity and truth, emphasizing the importance of testing values and principles.
  • The concept of a touchstone has evolved to represent an essential criterion in various fields, such as ethics, art, and commerce.

Science

  • In chemistry, touchstone-like methods are used to test materials, helping scientists verify the composition of substances through simple tests.
  • Modern analytical techniques often serve the role of a touchstone in laboratories, providing standards to compare new data against.

Education

  • Education systems often use assessments as touchstones to measure student progress, guiding teaching strategies based on those results.
  • Class discussions can serve as touchstones for students to explore and compare their understanding of complex topics with peers.

Origin of 'touchstone'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated in the early 15th century, coming from the Old French 'touche', meaning 'to touch', and 'stone', referring to the stone used for testing.
  • Originally, it referred to a specific type of black stone used by goldsmiths to check the purity of gold by leaving a mark.

The word 'touchstone' dates back to the late 14th century, originating from the Old French word 'touche', which means 'to touch' and 'stone' indicating a stone used for testing precious metals. The original physical touchstone was a piece of dark silica used by goldsmiths to determine the quality of gold and silver. By rubbing the metal upon the stone, they could create a mark to compare against known standards, thus establishing the metal's purity. Over the centuries, the term has evolved to represent a broader metaphorical meaning, symbolizing any method or factor that serves as a point of reference or standard against which other things are measured or evaluated.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,521, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.