mainstay

[ˈmeɪnsteɪ]

mainstay Definition

• 1. a person or thing that is the most important or central part of something
• 2. a 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

• backbone
• pillar
• anchor
• foundation
• cornerstone

Antonyms for mainstay

• weakness
• unreliability

Idioms Using mainstay

• a mainstay in/of something

  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.

• the mainstay of one's existence

  the most important or essential aspect of one's life

  Example

  For many people, their job is the mainstay of their existence.

• mainstay of the community

  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

• be the mainstay of something

  to be the most important or essential part of something

  Example

  The agriculture sector is the mainstay of the country's economy.

• mainstay of treatment

  the primary or most effective method of treating a particular condition

  Example

  Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for bacterial infections.

• mainstay of support

  a person or group that provides the most consistent and reliable support

  Example

  My family has been the mainstay of support throughout my career.

Origins of mainstay

from 'main' meaning 'chief' and 'stay' meaning 'rope'

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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.