Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
the pillar of

the pillar of

33 4.8
A main thing that supports and keeps something strong
  • idiom
translation icon : pilar de
  • Education is often considered a pillar of a thriving society, providing knowledge and opportunities.
  • the pillar of democracy
  • pillars of Islam
  • pillars of society

So one of the pillars of strength training is eccentric strength, which is brakes.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • The state was to rest on the pillars of Church, Tsar and the Russian national spirit, a clear rejection of the values of European liberalism.

  • In the classic monetarist tradition, a sound currency and competitive markets are the pillars of economic prosperity.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Well, I am glad that you are the pillar of strength in your family.

  • In the United States, the first pillar of the pension system is Social Security.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Social transformation and individual development are the twin pillars of our social future.

    Academic text (1992)

  • For the foreseeable future, cash will thus remain a pillar of the nation's economy.

    Academic text (2017)

  • Step by step, the pillars of the system are being scrutinized and found wanting.

    Academic text (1991)

  • What is certain is that teacher training colleges and other pillars of the education establishment will reap added financial benefits.

    Academic text (1998)

  • The necessity of divine grace to rescue humans from depravity had long been a pillar of Calvinist theology.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The trial by jury is a pillar of our democracy, ensuring justice for all citizens.

Synonyms

foundation of
vsthe pillar of
97 3.5

A basic idea that people build other things on

is a basic principle or support expressed more generally
cornerstone
vsthe pillar of
46 5.3

A very important idea or part that something depends on

is a general fundamental principle or source of ongoing strength
pillar
vsthe pillar of
45 4.4

A main idea or practice that supports something important, like society

is the single foundational source that everything depends on
cornerstone of
vsthe pillar of
37 4.2

An important idea or thing that other things depend on

is the broader principle or support beyond any single project
backbone of
vsthe pillar of
32 3.4

The main part that supports a system or group

is the general foundational principle, not only the main support
bedrock
vsthe pillar of
18 4.2

The basic principles that support a system, idea, or group

is the same idea but emphasizes active strength and support
mainstay
vsthe pillar of
18 4.9

The main support that people or things depend on

is the foundational principle rather than a single chief supporter
underpinning
vsthe pillar of
  • Formal
12 5.0

A basic support or principle that something depends on

is the core principle rather than the supporting reasoning beneath it
keystone
vsthe pillar of
6 5.1

The most important part that holds other parts together in a system

is a general foundational principle, not only the single central piece

Antonyms

weakness
133 1.4

Lack of physical or mental strength that makes someone less able to act

How Fundamental

the pillar of
33 4.8
backbone
56 3.7
cornerstone
46 5.3
foundation
182 3.5
support
141 1.4

Surface Forms

the pillar of singular
the pillars of plural

Morphology

the + pillar + of

The meaning 'a fundamental principle or support' is directly and predictably derived from combining 'pillar' (a structural support or foundational element) with the linking preposition 'of'. The pillar-as-support metaphor is common across languages and everyday discourse, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The phrase the pillar of comes from buildings where a strong stone or wooden pillar holds up the roof. So calling something the pillar of a group means it is a main 'support' or source of 'strength' for that group.