WordGarden.iobedrock
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈɛdrɒk/
US
- /ˈbɛˌdrɑk/
Meanings
Noun
the solid rock underlying soil or other surface material
the basic ideas or facts on which something depends
Beyond the definition
Imagine building a house – you need something solid to build on, right? That's bedrock! It's the solid rock that lies beneath soil and other surface layers. But "bedrock" isn't just about geology. It can also describe the fundamental principles or beliefs that support something else, like an argument or a society. A strong moral code is often considered someone's bedrock.
Think of it this way: if you were digging for treasure, bedrock would be the last thing you hit! And if your friendship with someone is built on trust and honesty, those qualities are the bedrock of that relationship. It's what everything else rests upon.
Bedrock originally referred to the solid rock layer beneath soil, sediment, and other superficial deposits – the very foundation of the Earth's surface. Geologists study bedrock to understand a region's history and stability. Think of the majestic cliffs of Yosemite National Park; those are formed from exposed bedrock! "The road was blasted through solid bedrock," describes a difficult construction project.
However, over time, "bedrock" has taken on a figurative meaning. It now also refers to the fundamental principles, beliefs, or values that form the basis of something else. These can be personal, societal, or even intellectual.
For example, "Freedom of speech is a bedrock principle of American democracy," means it's one of the core ideas upon which the country is built. Or, "Honesty and integrity were the bedrock of her character," suggests those qualities defined who she was as a person. A failing business might try to return to its "bedrock values" in order to regain customer trust.
The image remains consistent: something solid, stable, and essential that supports everything else. Just like the Earth itself, these foundational elements are what hold things together. So whether you're talking about geology or ideas, bedrock represents a firm and unshakable base.
Examples
- 1
Construction
The builders had to dig deep before they finally reached bedrock.
- 2
Building foundation
The cabin was built on bedrock to keep it stable in winter storms.
- 3
Relationships
Trust is the bedrock of any strong relationship.
- Patternthe bedrock of + something
the basic thing it depends on
- 4
Local economy
Small family farms have long been the bedrock of the local economy.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal principle
Equal treatment under the law is a bedrock principle of the justice system.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- bedrock principle
- the bedrock of democracy
- form the bedrock of
Explore
- first principles
- core values
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- bedrocknounadjective