Touchstone

B2 8+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /tʌtʃ.stoʊn/

Definitions of touchstone

noun a black siliceous stone related to flint, formerly used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak left on the stone when rubbed by the metal

Example Sentences

A1 A touchstone is a type of stone used to test the purity of gold.

A2 In literature, a touchstone is a standard or criterion by which something is judged.

B1 The scientific method can be considered a touchstone for evaluating the validity of research findings.

B2 For many people, honesty is a touchstone of a strong and healthy relationship.

C1 The principles of democracy serve as a touchstone for evaluating the legitimacy of political systems.

C2 The touchstone of a true leader is their ability to inspire and empower those around them.

Examples of touchstone in a Sentence

formal The scientific method is often considered the touchstone of modern research.

informal For many music lovers, vinyl records are the touchstone of quality sound.

slang In skateboarding culture, landing a kickflip is the touchstone of skill.

figurative Honesty is the touchstone of a strong relationship.

Grammatical Forms of touchstone

past tense

touched

plural

touchstones

comparative

more touchstone

superlative

most touchstone

present tense

touch

future tense

will touch

perfect tense

have touched

continuous tense

is touching

singular

touchstone

positive degree

touchstone

infinitive

to touch

gerund

touching

participle

touching

Origin and Evolution of touchstone

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old French
Story behind the word: The word 'touchstone' originated from the Old French term 'tochon', which was derived from the Latin word 'testum', meaning 'test' or 'examination'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak left on the stone when rubbed with the metal, 'touchstone' has evolved to also mean a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized.