Reading Theme:
Landmark: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：prominent building or feature (landmark)
landmark
/ˈlændmɑːrk/
n.
A very noticeable and easily recognized building or natural feature that helps you know where you are or find your way.
prominent building or feature
➕
/ˈprɒmɪnənt ˈbɪldɪŋ ɔː ˈfiːtʃə/
n.
A building, monument, or natural feature that is easily seen and recognized from a distance, used for navigation or as a point of reference.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'land' (ground, territory) + 'mearc' (mark, boundary). Literally 'a mark on the land'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'MARK' on the 'LAND' you can't miss. It helps you find your way or marks a major point in history.
📖 Example
The tourist looked at her map and then at the giant Ferris wheel in the distance, using it as a landmark to find her way back to the hotel.
A visitor uses the distinctive amusement ride as a key reference point to navigate back to her accommodation.
🔗 Collocations
famous landmark – a widely known and recognized notable place or structure
historical landmark – a building or site officially recognized for its historical importance
use as a landmark – to employ a feature as a point of reference for navigation
🔄 Synonyms
monument (n.) – A structure, building, or statue built to commemorate a person or event.
feature (n.) – A distinctive attribute or aspect of a place, especially a noticeable part of a landscape.
point of reference (n.) – A basis for comparison; a standard against which other things can be measured or a fixed location used for orientation.
🚫 Antonyms
commonplace (n.) – Something ordinary, unremarkable, and easily overlooked.
obscurity (n.) – The state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or difficult to find.
🌱 Derivatives
landmarking (n.) – The action or process of designating a building or site as a landmark, especially for preservation.
📖 Cultural Story
Originally a term in surveying and property law, referring to physical marks (like stones or posts) used to define the boundaries of an estate. It evolved in the 1560s to mean any conspicuous object that defines a place or guides travelers, and later to figurative turning points.
Meaning 2：key turning point (landmark)
landmark
/ˈlændmɑːrk/
n.
An important event, discovery, or achievement that marks a turning point or a new stage in history or in someone's life.
key turning point
➕
/kiː ˈtɜːnɪŋ pɔɪnt/
n.
An important event, discovery, or achievement that signifies a major change, a new stage of development, or a decisive moment in a process.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Getting her driver's license was a major landmark in her journey towards independence.
Obtaining her official permission to drive represented a significant step forward in her path to self-reliance.
🔗 Collocations
landmark decision – a judicial ruling that establishes a new legal principle or standard
landmark achievement – a highly significant and groundbreaking accomplishment
reach a landmark – to arrive at or achieve an important stage or turning point
🔄 Synonyms
milestone (n.) – A significant stage or event in the development or progress of something.
turning point (n.) – The time at which a decisive change in a situation occurs, especially one with beneficial results.
watershed (n.) – An event or period marking a turning point in a course of action or state of affairs.
🚫 Antonyms
non-event (n.) – An expected or highly publicized event that turns out to be boring or unimportant.
🌱 Derivatives
landmark (adj.) – Denoting a ruling, case, or event that is historically or legally significant.
Wordbook
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