kulmakiveksi

Kulmakiveksi is the translative form of the Finnish noun kulmakivi, meaning becoming or being designated as a cornerstone. Kulmakivi itself refers to the literal cornerstone of a building, but in figurative use it denotes a central, foundational element of a plan, project, argument, or organization. The translative suffix -ksi expresses a change of state or role, so kulmakiveksi means “into a cornerstone” or “as a cornerstone.” The term is commonly found in formal or technical writing, including planning documents, strategic analyses, and policy discussions.

Etymology and meaning

Kulmakivi combines kulma (corner) and kivi (stone). Figuratively it stands for something fundamental that supports and legitimizes a broader structure. The form kulmakiveksi signals that a given factor is being established as a core component or essential basis, rather than simply described as part of a system.

Usage notes

Kulmakiveksi is used with verbs that denote becoming or designation, such as muuttua kulmakiveksi or tulla kulmakiveksi, and with verbs like asettaa or määritellä when identifying a factor as foundational. Examples: “Hankkeen kulmakiveksi määriteltiin kestävyys,” “Projektin visio tuli sen kulmakiveksi kaupungin kehittämisessä.” It is commonly found in policy briefs, strategic plans, and analytical texts, and is closely related to synonyms such as perustavirike, ydin, or keskeinen elementti.

See also

Kulmakivi; Finnish translative case; Finnish inflection.