Bedrock
What it means
The basic principle or support on which something dependable is built.
Reach for it when identifying an indispensable foundation for trust, policy, or practice
Accurate records are the bedrock of a fair compensation system.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal |
-
everyday
basis
Fits when neutral explanation of what a decision rests on is needed
Careful Basis lacks the strength and indispensability implied by bedrock.
-
warm
Fits when a person or resource provides continuing practical support
Careful Mainstay fits an ongoing contributor better than an abstract first principle.
-
professional
core
Fits when the central part or value must be emphasized
Careful Core concerns the center, not necessarily the support beneath everything else.
-
professional
Fits when the supporting base enables later work
Careful Foundation can be deliberately built, while bedrock suggests something more fundamental.
-
formal
cornerstone
Fits when one essential principle anchors a larger structure
Careful Cornerstone highlights one element and may not describe the whole underlying base.
-
formal
first principle
Fits when reasoning begins from a foundational proposition
Careful The phrase is philosophical and awkward for relationships or institutions.
-
formal
underpinning
Fits when a supporting idea or system operates beneath visible work
Careful Underpinning can be one technical support among several.
Opposites 3
- afterthought
- weak point
- superficiality
Common phrases 3
-
bedrock principle
Equal treatment remains a bedrock principle of the service.
-
bedrock of trust
Honest correction is the bedrock of trust between the teams.
-
solid bedrock
Shared evidence gave the partnership solid bedrock for negotiation.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated