mainstay

Meaning

1. A chief support.
2. Someone or something that can be depended on to make a regular contribution.
3. A stabilising rope from high on the mainmast to the base of the foremast.

Synonyms

pillar

backbone

nucleus

linchpin

support

prop

main force

anchor

⚓

authority

forestay

keystone

leader

lynchpin

central figure

main power

cornerstone

principle person

chine

pilar

centre

pivot

center

sinew

spinal column

spine

stanchion

stylobate

buttress

supporter

vertebral column

center field

center fielder

back

🔙

responsible person

central pillar

centre field

centre fielder

prop of a roof

framework

key

🔑

key man

core number

support column

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈmeɪn.steɪ/

Etymology

From Middle English main stai, equivalent to main + stay (“rope”).