Edifices

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Tall structures that serve various purposes, showcasing architectural design and historical significance in a cityscape
2. Imposing buildings that are notable for their functionality and architectural style, often representing a cultural heritage
3. Substantial buildings that stand out due to their size and design within a community

Etymology: "Edifices" is the plural of "edifice," which English took from Old French "edifice," itself a learned borrowing of Latin "aedificium," meaning "building." The Latin noun grew from "aedificare," "to build, establish," a verb made from "aedes" (house, temple) and "facere" (to make), so the core idea is literally house-making. The surprise lies in a sister word. English "edify" shares that same Latin root, and it once carried the plain sense of constructing a physical building. Its meaning shifted over time toward building up moral or intellectual character, so a word for raising walls ended up describing the improvement of minds. "Edifice" stayed closer to its original sense, retaining the notion of a substantial, constructed structure.

Synonyms: buildings, structures, edifices, constructions, facilities

Antonyms: ruins, demolitions, wreckage, destruction, decrepitude