pillar
/'pilə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A tall, vertical, cylindrical structure: In architecture, a pillar is a tall, vertical, cylindrical structure that stands upright and is used to support a building or other construction.
- A freestanding vertical structure: A pillar can also be a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone, not supporting anything else, often as a monument or memorial.
- A prominent supporter: A person who is a main, reliable, and important supporter of something, such as a community or institution.
- Anything resembling a column: Any object or formation that approximates the tall, narrow shape of a column or tower.
- A fundamental principle: A basic, essential idea or practice that supports a system of belief or thought.
Examples of Usage
Noun (Architectural Support):
- The ancient temple was supported by massive stone pillars.
- The roof collapsed when one of the central pillars was damaged.
Noun (Freestanding Monument):
- A marble pillar was erected in the town square to honor the war heroes.
Noun (Prominent Supporter):
- She has been a pillar of the local church for decades.
- As a dedicated teacher, he is considered a pillar of the school community.
Noun (Column-like Shape):
- A pillar of fire guided the ships at night.
- In the desert, they saw a tall pillar of sand created by the wind.
Noun (Fundamental Principle):
- Honesty and integrity are the pillars of a good reputation.
- The three pillars of the company's philosophy are quality, innovation, and service.
Advanced Usage
- "From pillar to post": To be forced to go from one place or person to another without making any progress; to be harassed or driven around.
- After the office closed, I was sent from pillar to post trying to find someone who could help me.
Variants and Related Words
- Pillar-box (n): A tall, cylindrical public mailbox, traditionally painted red in the UK.
- She posted the letter in the red pillar-box on the corner.
Synonyms
- Column: A vertical support or structure.
- Post: An upright pole or support.
- Mainstay: A chief support or principal reliance.
- Buttress: A projecting support for a wall or structure; also used figuratively for support.
Related Phrases
- Pillar of strength: Someone who provides very strong and reliable support, especially during difficult times.
- My sister was a real pillar of strength for me when I was ill.
Related Idioms
- Pillar of the community: A person who is an active, respected, and important member of a community.
- The retired doctor, with his lifelong charity work, is truly a pillar of the community.
Noun
- (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure
- a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
- a prominent supporter
- he is a pillar of the community
- anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
- the test tube held a column of white powder
- a tower of dust rose above the horizon
- a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite
- a fundamental principle or practice
- science eroded the pillars of superstition