Mainstay

Pronunciation: /ˈmeɪnˌsteɪ/

Definitions of mainstay

noun the chief support of a system or organization

Example Sentences

A1 Bread is a mainstay in many diets around the world.

A2 The mainstay of the local economy is agriculture.

B1 The mainstay of the company's success is its loyal customer base.

B2 The mainstay of the healthcare system is the dedication of its medical professionals.

C1 Education is considered the mainstay of a prosperous society.

C2 The mainstay of the country's defense strategy is its strong military presence.

Examples of mainstay in a Sentence

formal The mainstay of our business is our loyal customer base.

informal Pizza has always been the mainstay of our Friday night dinners.

slang Coffee is the mainstay of my morning routine.

figurative Education is the mainstay of a successful career.

Grammatical Forms of mainstay

• past tense: mainstayed
• plural: mainstays
• comparative: more mainstay
• superlative: most mainstay
• present tense: mainstays
• future tense: will mainstay
• perfect tense: have mainstayed
• continuous tense: is mainstaying
• singular: mainstay
• positive degree: mainstay
• infinitive: to mainstay
• gerund: mainstaying
• participle: mainstayed

Origin and Evolution of mainstay

First Known Use: 1675 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'mainstay' originated from the nautical term 'main stay', which referred to the stay that supported the mainmast of a sailing ship.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'mainstay' evolved from its literal nautical meaning to a metaphorical sense of something that provides essential support or stability in various contexts.