Pillar: meaning, definitions and examples

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pillar

 

[ หˆpษชlษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

support

A tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building, or as an ornament or monument.

Synonyms

column, post, shaft.

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Word Description / Examples
pillar

Used to refer to a strong support structure, often metaphorically to describe someone or something that plays a crucial role in a system or organization.

  • She was a pillar of the community.
  • The library is a pillar of our educational system.
column

Typically used in architecture to describe a vertical structure supporting a building or to refer to sections in a table or newspaper.

  • The ancient temple had many marble columns.
  • She writes a weekly column for the newspaper.
post

Often used to describe a wooden or metal rod planted in the ground to support something, like a fence or sign, or to describe a position in an organization.

  • He leaned against the wooden post.
  • She was offered a post in the marketing department.
shaft

Primarily used to describe a long, narrow, vertical passage, often in machinery or mining.

  • The elevator shaft was under repair.
  • He fell down the mine shaft.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient temple was supported by massive stone pillars.
  • The marble pillars in the entrance hall added a touch of elegance to the building.
Context #2 | Noun

principle

A person or thing regarded as reliably providing essential support or a strong foundation.

Synonyms

cornerstone, foundation, mainstay.

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Word Description / Examples
pillar

Used to describe a person or thing that is a key support or element in an organization, community, or structure.

  • She was a pillar of the local community, always volunteering her time
  • The old bridge stands firm on its stone pillars
foundation

Refers to the solid base, often literally for buildings, but also metaphorically for concepts, systems, or organizations.

  • Education is the foundation of a successful career
  • The house's foundation was laid in the 1800s
cornerstone

Often used to denote something that is essential, fundamental, or the most important part of a larger structure or system. It can also refer to the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation.

  • Trust is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship
  • Religious freedom was a cornerstone of the nation's founding principles
mainstay

Used to describe someone or something that is the primary support or most dependable center of a system or group.

  • The mainstay of their economy was agriculture
  • He was the mainstay of the team, always scoring crucial points

Examples of usage

  • Education is often seen as the pillar of a successful society.
  • Family values are considered one of the pillars of a strong community.
Context #3 | Noun

upright

A slender, upright, supporting or reinforcing member, as of a frame or wall.

Synonyms

beam, stanchion, upright.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pillar

Used to describe a strong vertical structure that provides support to buildings or other structures. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is a central or essential support in an organization or community.

  • The ancient temple had massive stone pillars.
  • She is considered a pillar of the community due to her generous contributions.
upright

Describes something that is in a vertical position. Often used to signify something or someone who is morally sound and honest, but can also be used to describe vertical structures.

  • The bookshelf was so old it could hardly stay upright.
  • She is known to be an upright and honest person.
beam

Typically refers to a long, horizontal piece used in construction to support the floor or ceiling. It's key in building frameworks. Can also be used metaphorically to imply a broad, supportive element.

  • The ceiling was held up by heavy wooden beams.
  • His smile is like a beam of light in dark times.
stanchion

Refers to a vertical bar, post, or frame that supports something or forms a barrier. Often used in the context of barriers at events, or to secure livestock.

  • The stanchions guided the crowd into orderly lines.
  • He removed the stanchion to let the cows into the field.

Examples of usage

  • The pillars of the bridge were designed to withstand strong winds.
  • The wooden pillars were intricately carved with decorative patterns.

Translations

Translations of the word "pillar" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pilar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคคเค‚เคญ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sรคule

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pilar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ะพะฒะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ filar

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆŸฑ (ใฏใ—ใ‚‰)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pilier

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ pilar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sรผtun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธฐ๋‘ฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนู…ูˆุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sloup

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ stฤบp

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆŸฑๅญ (zhรนzi)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ stolpec

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรบla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐา“ะฐะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ•แƒ”แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sรผtun

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pilar

Etymology

The word 'pillar' originated from the Latin word 'pila', meaning 'column' or 'pier'. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to a vertical structure used for support or decoration. Pillars have played a significant role in architecture and symbolism throughout history, representing strength, stability, and support.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,894 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.