Keystone State
1
4.6
- proper noun
- /ˈkiːstoʊn steɪt/
:
Estado clave
Examples
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Tying for fifth place with Washington, the Keystone State moved up two spots from 2011.
Blog text (27) -
In the recent election, many candidates focused their efforts on winning votes in the Keystone State.
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The Keystone State has a rich history, playing a crucial role in the founding of the United States.
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Pennsylvania, often referred to as the Keystone State, is known for its diverse landscapes and historical sites.
Synonyms
666
1.0
A state in the northeastern United States that is one of the first thirteen colonies
168
2.2
A state in the northeastern United States
A state in the northeastern United States
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound meaning (a 'state' that is a 'keystone' or central/important element) is partially derivable from the constituents, so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to an especially important/central state. However, the fixed association with Pennsylvania as a conventional nickname requires cultural/encyclopedic knowledge and is not predictable from composition alone, so it is not fully transparent.
Etymology
Keystone State comes from a simple building image: the top middle stone, the keystone, holds an arch together and keeps everything from falling. Because Pennsylvania had a 'central' and 'important' role in the early United States, people called it the Keystone State to show it was like that holding stone.