Alapkövei

Alapkövei is a Hungarian term that functions as a general reference to cornerstone stones or foundational elements in both literal and figurative contexts. In architecture and construction, alapkő means a cornerstone set in the building’s foundation, and alapkövei can denote the stones that form or mark the foundation in a project. The laying of the cornerstone is typically part of a ceremonial event called alapkőletétel, often attended by dignitaries and commemorated with inscriptions and dates.

In geology, the term for bedrock is usually alapkőzet, whereas alapkő or alapkövei may appear in more general language to denote the base of a structure or landscape. Figuratively, alapkövei is common in discussions of theories, organizations, or movements to refer to their essential, underlying elements—core principles, foundations of methodology, or fundamental data.

Usage examples: A city development plan may describe the new district as having strong alapkövei in sustainable design and community ownership. A scientific theory is said to rest on its alapkövei, such as its core assumptions and the empirical evidence supporting them.

The term highlights the idea of permanence and support: without solid alapkövei, a building, a theory, or an institution lacks stability. The plural form alapkövei is used when referring to multiple cornerstone elements or to multiple foundational elements in different contexts.