Edifice — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈe-də-fəs/ ed·i·fice

Meaning & Definition of Edifice

Edifice (noun)

  1. building; especially, a large or massive structure
  2. a large abstract structure

Edifice (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a large, magnificent, or massive building

    "the U.S. Capitol is one of our nation's most impressive edifices"

    similar: cathedral, hall, palace, tower
    related: construction, erection, structure, castle, château, countryseat, estate, hacienda, manor, manor house, mansion, showplace, villa, mausoleum, memorial, monument

  2. something built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity

    "the first edifices built by the colonists were primitive huts with walls of dried mud and roofs covered with thatch"

    similar: building, structure
    related: construction, erection, bungalow, cabin, chalet, cottage, house, lodge, summerhouse, hovel, hut, hutment, shack, shanty, shed, castle, château, estate, hall, manor, mansion, palace, pile, villa, skyscraper, tower

  3. the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form

    "the edifice of the argument is quite simple, once you get past the fancy language"

    similar: architecture, armature, cadre, configuration, fabric, frame, framework, framing, infrastructure, shell, skeleton, structure
    related: cage, lattice, network, contour, figure, outline, profile, shape, silhouette, chassis

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Edifice

The most common words with a similar meaning to Edifice:

cathedral, hall, palace, tower, building, structure, architecture, armature, cadre, configuration, fabric, frame, framework, framing, infrastructure, shell, skeleton

Related Words for Edifice

construction, erection, castle, château, countryseat, estate, hacienda, manor, manor house, mansion, showplace, villa, mausoleum, memorial, monument, bungalow, cabin, chalet, cottage, house, lodge, summerhouse, hovel, hut, hutment, shack, shanty, shed, pile, skyscraper

Origin & Etymology of Edifice

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin aedificium, from aedificare

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Edifice

What does "Edifice" mean?

"Edifice" means building; especially, a large or massive structure. As a noun, it is defined as: building; especially, a large or massive structure. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Edifice"?

Other words for "Edifice" include cathedral, hall, palace, tower, building, structure, architecture and armature. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Edifice" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Edifice"?

There are 57 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Edifice". Common alternatives include cathedral, hall, palace, tower, building, structure, architecture, armature, cadre and configuration.

How do you use "Edifice" in a sentence?

Examples of "Edifice" in a sentence: "the U.S. Capitol is one of our nation's most impressive edifices"; "the first edifices built by the colonists were primitive huts with walls of dried mud and roofs covered with thatch"; "the edifice of the argument is quite simple, once you get past the fancy language".

Is "Edifice" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Edifice" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Edifice"?

"Edifice" is pronounced /ˈe-də-fəs/ and divided into syllables as ed·i·fice.

What is the origin of the word "Edifice"?

"Edifice" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin aedificium, from aedificare. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Edifice" meaning "a large, magnificent, or massive building"?

When "Edifice" (noun) means a large, magnificent, or massive building, synonyms include cathedral, hall, palace and tower.