pillar
0 antonyms and opposites of pillar, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A tall vertical post, usually supporting part of a building.
How to use pillar
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French pilier, from a Latin word for a pillar or pier.
Full origin of pillar →Frequently asked questions
What does “pillar” mean?
The word “pillar” means a tall vertical post, usually supporting part of a building. In plain terms, either a literal supporting post, or figuratively something (or someone) essential that holds everything else up.
How do you pronounce “pillar”?
“Pillar” is pronounced PIH-luh (/ˈpɪlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pillar” in a sentence?
Here is “pillar” used in a sentence: “Marble pillars lined the entrance to the courthouse.”
What is another word for “pillar”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pillar” include column and sile.
What part of speech is “pillar”?
“Pillar” is a noun.
Where does the word “pillar” come from?
The word “pillar” comes from Latin. From Old French pilier, from a Latin word for a pillar or pier.
Is “pillar” a common word?
“Pillar” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pillar” have?
“Pillar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tall vertical post, usually supporting part of a building.
What is the difference between a "pillar" and a "column"?
"Pillar" and "column" both describe a tall vertical post supporting part of a building, and the two words are largely interchangeable in everyday use, as reflected in "column" being a listed synonym of "pillar." "Column" is sometimes preferred in architectural or classical contexts, while "pillar" is more common in general speech and figurative use.
What does it mean to call someone a "pillar of the community"?
Calling someone a "pillar of the community" uses the figurative sense of "pillar," meaning a person regarded as a central, essential support of something, in this case the people around them. It highlights their reliability and importance rather than any physical structure.
Can "pillar" be used figuratively as well as literally?
Yes, "pillar" can describe a literal vertical post supporting a building, or figuratively a person or thing seen as a central, essential support of something, such as "honesty is a pillar of good journalism." Both uses are common in everyday and formal English.