Meaning
hinge; cornerstone
- a mechanical hinge on which a door, shutter, or gate turns
- a core principle, cornerstone, or central pivot of a theory, system, or argument
In a sentence
La porta cigola perché bisogna oliare i cardini.
The door is squeaking because the hinges need oiling.
La libertà di espressione rappresenta un cardine della democrazia moderna.
Freedom of expression represents a cornerstone of modern democracy.
Quel forte vento ha scardinato la finestra dai suoi cardini.
That strong wind ripped the window from its hinges.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| cardine | masculine · singular |
| cardini | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Frequently used in the idiom 'fuori dai cardini' (off its hinges; unhinged).
- In abstract contexts, it functions as a noun adjunct meaning 'cornerstone' or 'central pillar' (e.g., principio cardine).