mainstay Definition
- 1a person or thing that is the most important or central part of something
- 2a strong rope supporting the mast of a sailing ship
Using mainstay: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mainstay" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The tourism industry is the mainstay of the local economy.
Example
The mainstay of the company's success is its innovative products.
Example
The mainstay of the navy is its fleet of ships.
mainstay Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for mainstay
Antonyms for mainstay
Idioms Using mainstay
a person or thing that is consistently present or relied upon in a particular context
Example
He has been a mainstay in the company for over 20 years.
Example
For many people, their job is the mainstay of their existence.
a person or organization that is an essential and reliable part of the local community
Example
The local library is a mainstay of the community, providing resources and events for all ages.
Phrases with mainstay
Example
The agriculture sector is the mainstay of the country's economy.
Example
Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for bacterial infections.
Example
My family has been the mainstay of support throughout my career.
Origins of mainstay
from 'main' meaning 'chief' and 'stay' meaning 'rope'
Summary: mainstay in Brief
The term 'mainstay' [ˈmeɪnsteɪ] refers to a person or thing that is the most important or central part of something. It can refer to the backbone of a company, like 'The mainstay of the company's success is its innovative products,' or the primary method of treating a condition, as in 'Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for bacterial infections.' 'Mainstay' extends into idioms like 'a mainstay in/of something,' denoting a consistent presence, and 'mainstay of the community,' indicating an essential and reliable part of local life.