mainstay etymology

Etymology: The word "mainstay" originates from the nautical term "main stay," which refers to the primary supporting rope of a ship's mast.

Meaning: A mainstay is:

• A chief support or pillar
• A person or thing that provides stability, continuity, or strength

Origin:

The word "mainstay" first appeared in the 16th century in the context of sailing ships. Sailors used the term to describe the rope that held the mainmast upright and prevented it from falling. Over time, the word took on a more general meaning, referring to anything that provided support or stability.

History of Usage:

• 1590s: "The mayne stay of all our hoopes" (John Florio, "Second Frutes")
• 1755: "The mainstay of the Constitution" (Samuel Johnson, "A Dictionary of the English Language")
• 19th century: "The mainstay of his life" (William Makepeace Thackeray, "Vanity Fair")
• 20th century: "The mainstay of economic growth" (John Maynard Keynes, "The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money")

Examples of Usage:

• "The family has been the mainstay of the community for generations."
• "The company's financial performance has been the mainstay of its success."
• "The teacher is the mainstay of the classroom, providing guidance and support to students."

mainstay relate terms

• main

  Etymology The word main derives from the Old French term mein or maen meaning gre

• main

  Etymology The word main derives from the Old French term mein or maen meaning gre

• stay

  Etymology The word stay has several origins Old English stīgan meaning to ascen

• anchor

  Etymology The word anchor comes from the Greek word ankhura which means hook Me

• keystone

  Etymology Keystone is derived from the Middle English word keyston which itself is f

• pillar

  Etymology The word pillar comes from the Late Latin word pilare meaning to support

• friend

  Etymology The word friend comes from the Old English word freond which meant compa

• champion

  Etymology The word champion comes from the Old French word champion which in turn d

• supporter

  Etymology The word supporter derives from the Late Latin word supportare meaning t

• protagonist

  Etymology The word protagonist is derived from the Greek words protos meaning fir

• support

  Etymology Latin supportāre from sub under portāre to carry Proto Indo Eur

• contrite

  Etymology Latin contritus past participle of conterere to rub together crush grind

• dismal

  Etymology The word dismal originates from the Old French word dismaler meaning to s