bedrock

Plural: bedrocks

Noun

• A fundamental basis; the solid rock underlying soil.
• solid unweathered rock lying beneath surface deposits of soil
• principles from which other truths can be derived
• The solid rock found at some depth below the ground surface.
• A basis or foundation.
• The bones.

Verb

• To establish on a solid foundation.

Examples

• If culture is the bedrock of a society, then language is the cornerstone of culture.
• Knowing your two-letter words is the bedrock of any good Scrabble strategy.

Synonyms

basic principle, basics, fundamental principle, fundamentals