1.
basis, foundation, grounds
Something that serves as the basis or grounds for a judgment, action, or claim.
その主張には拠り所がない。
That claim has no basis.
法律を拠り所にして判断する。
Make judgments based on the law.
科学的な拠り所のない情報をうのみにしてはいけない。
You should not blindly accept information that has no scientific basis.
2.
emotional support, source of comfort
A person, thing, or idea that provides emotional or psychological support and stability.
家族が心の拠り所だ。
My family is my emotional anchor.
故郷を離れて、拠り所のない気持ちになった。
After leaving my hometown, I felt adrift with nothing to hold on to.
辛いときに音楽が拠り所になってくれた。
During hard times, music was a source of comfort for me.
USAGE:
Can function as both a concrete basis for reasoning (sense 1) and an emotional pillar (sense 2). Often written in mixed script as 拠り所, though also seen in kana as よりどころ or in full kanji as 拠所. The pattern 心の拠り所 (emotional anchor) is very common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 心の拠り所: emotional anchor/support
- 拠り所がない: to have no basis / to feel adrift
- 拠り所にする: to rely on as a foundation
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 根拠: evidence, grounds (more logical/factual)
- 支え: support, prop (more concrete, physical or emotional)