Words / C1

STAYPL/ˈsteɪpl/

A staple is a basic, regular element of a diet, diet of news, or practice; also a metal paper fastener: a staple crop, a staple of the timetable. Basic and regular are everyday; a fixture is a cousin; a luxury sits opposite. Do not call named cover optional.

Meaning

A basic and regular part of something; also a small metal paper fastener.

Examples

• “Named cover is a staple of a lawful sitting, not an optional extra.”
• “Basic is everyday. A fixture is regular in a calendar. A paper staple joins pages — the office sense. Rice as a staple is food. Optional extras are paint. Cover is the condition of sitting, not a nice-to-have.”

Good to know

A basic regular element (or a paper fastener). Everyday: basic / regular. Contrast: optional extra. Cover is not décor.

Near in meaning

basic

New