Spanish Conversation · Level 75
60 words
Spanish word
pilar
Pronunciation
IPA/piˈlaɾ/
Meaning
- masculine nounpillar
Example
Esa empresa es un pilar de la economía local.
That company is a pillar of the local economy.
More examples
La educación es el pilar del desarrollo personal.
Education is the pillar of personal development.
Core concept
Vertical load-bearing column under a structure.
Common phrases
pilar fundamental
foundational pillar
pilar de la comunidad
community pillar
pilar de la familia
family pillar
Similar words
soporte: Practical or physical means that hold up, sustain, or enable people, systems, or objects.
apoyo: Direct help or assistance that supports people or activities to continue or succeed.
fundamento: Basic principle or rationale that underpins the structure or reasoning of an institution or idea.
base: Physical or conceptual foundation that forms the groundwork on which something rests or operates.
Definition in Spanish
Elemento vertical que sostiene la carga de una construcción; por extensión, persona o cosa que sirve de apoyo o base.
Word origin
From Latin pila via Old French pilier, originally naming a post or column and later entering Spanish as pilar.
Usage tips
- Often used metaphorically in 'ser un pilar de...' to call someone or something a support; the phrase typically names the area of support (family, company, community) to make the meaning clear.
Other meanings
- supportnoun
Opposites
- obstáculoobstaclenoun
- lastrehindrancenoun