Pillar vs. Piller — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 20, 2024
"Pillar" is the correct spelling for a structural support or an important person or principle, while "Piller" is incorrect.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Pillar or Piller
How to spell Pillar?
Pillar
Correct Spelling
Piller
Incorrect Spelling
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Key Differences
Pillars are often in "pairs" in architecture, hence the pair of "l"s.
"Pillar" rhymes with "filler," and both share a double "l," unlike "piller."
Think of "pillar" as a structure that holds up a building – it's essential, so it gets an extra "l."
Remember that "pillar" has the same number of "l"s as "pillar" itself – two.
"Pillar" stands firm with two legs (Ls), much like the sturdy structure it represents.
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How Do You Spell Piller Correctly?
Incorrect: She leaned against a piller while waiting for her friend.
Correct: She leaned against a pillar while waiting for her friend.
Pillar Definitions
A vertical column that supports the building, often decorative.
The ancient Greeks were masters at constructing marble pillars.
A firm, upright post used as a support.
The roof was held up by wooden pillars.
A slender, freestanding, vertical support; a column.
A person who is a main support of an organization or movement.
She was considered a pillar of the community.
An essential part of something that provides support.
Trust is a pillar of any strong relationship.
A tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building, or as an ornament or monument.
We placed a bird feeder on top of the small garden pillar.
Such a structure or one similar to it used for decoration.
One who occupies a central or responsible position
A pillar of the state.
To support or decorate with pillars or a pillar.
(architecture) A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
Something resembling such a structure.
A pillar of smoke
(figuratively) An essential part of something that provides support.
He's a pillar of the community.
(Roman Catholic) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
(bodybuilding) The body from the hips over the core to the shoulders.
To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.
The general and popular term for a firm, upright, insulated support for a superstructure; a pier, column, or post; also, a column or shaft not supporting a superstructure, as one erected for a monument or an ornament.
Jacob set a pillar upon her grave.
The place . . . vast and proud,Supported by a hundred pillars stood.
Figuratively, that which resembles such a pillar in appearance, character, or office; a supporter or mainstay; as, the Pillars of Hercules; a pillar of the state.
By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire.
A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.
A fundamental principle or practice;
Science eroded the pillars of superstition
Anything tall and thin approximating 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 prominent supporter;
He is a pillar of the community
A vertical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (as a monument or a column of air)
(architeture) a tall cylindrical vertical upright and used to support a structure
Pillar Meaning in a Sentence
He considered his grandfather to be a pillar of wisdom and guidance.
Pillar Idioms & Phrases
Pillar to post
From one place or situation to another, often with little progress or purpose.
She went from pillar to post looking for a solution, but found none.
Pillar of strength
Someone who provides strong and reliable support during difficult times.
Throughout the crisis, she was a pillar of strength for her family.
Pillar of the community
A person who is a main support of the community's activities and well-being.
The local business owner was considered a pillar of the community for his generous support.
Pillar of support
A reliable source of aid and comfort.
In tough times, the community has always been a pillar of support for those affected.
Pillar of salt
Refers to a person who is unwilling to leave the past behind, based on the biblical story of Lot's wife.
He became a pillar of salt, forever looking back at what he lost.
A pillar of fire
Something that guides or signifies a path forward, also based on a biblical reference.
His passion was like a pillar of fire, leading the way for others to follow.
To stand like a pillar
To remain firm and unmoved in one's position or beliefs.
Despite the opposition, she stood like a pillar in her convictions.
From pillar to post
Being moved or transferred from one place or position to another, often haphazardly or ineffectively.
After the merger, employees felt like they were being shuffled from pillar to post.
To turn to a pillar of salt
To be so astonished or shocked that one is unable to move or react.
At the news, he turned to a pillar of salt, unable to believe what he had heard.
Lean on a pillar of
To depend on a strong foundation or principle.
She would always lean on a pillar of honesty in her dealings.
Pillar of the law
A fundamental legal principle that supports the legal system.
The right to a fair trial is a pillar of the law in democratic societies.
Pillar of cloud
A guide or signal in uncertain times, drawing from another biblical reference.
In their search for direction, they looked for a pillar of cloud to lead the way.
As solid as a pillar
Extremely reliable or sturdy.
His promise was as solid as a pillar, unbreakable and true.
The fifth pillar
An additional, often overlooked, foundation of a concept or structure.
Volunteerism is the fifth pillar of our community's strength.
Under the pillar
Under scrutiny or examination, based on the idea of being visible and exposed.
His actions were now under the pillar, observed by all.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of Pillar?
Pillar is pronounced as /ˈpɪl.ər/.
Why is it called Pillar?
It is called a pillar because it is derived from the Latin word "pila" meaning "pillar" or "stone barrier."
Which vowel is used before Pillar?
The indefinite article "a" is typically used before "pillar."
What is the root word of Pillar?
The root word of "pillar" is "pila" from Latin.
Is Pillar an adverb?
No, "pillar" is not an adverb.
Is Pillar a negative or positive word?
"Pillar" is a neutral word; its positivity or negativity is context-dependent.
What is the verb form of Pillar?
Pillar does not have a verb form; it is a noun.
What is the singular form of Pillar?
The singular form is "pillar."
What is the plural form of Pillar?
The plural form is "pillars."
Which article is used with Pillar?
The articles "a" or "the" can be used with "pillar."
Which preposition is used with Pillar?
Prepositions such as "of" or "by" can be used with "pillar."
Is Pillar an abstract noun?
"Pillar" can be a concrete noun as a column or a metaphorical abstract noun when referring to a principle.
Is Pillar a countable noun?
Yes, "pillar" is a countable noun.
Is the word “Pillar” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be used as a direct object.
What part of speech is Pillar?
Pillar is a noun.
Which conjunction is used with Pillar?
Conjunctions like "and" or "or" can be used with "pillar."
Is Pillar a noun or adjective?
Pillar is a noun.
Is the word Pillar Gerund?
No, "pillar" is a noun and does not have a gerund form.
What is another term for Pillar?
Another term for "pillar" is "column."
Is Pillar a collective noun?
No, "pillar" is not typically used as a collective noun.
Is the Pillar term a metaphor?
"Pillar" can be used metaphorically to describe a person or principle that is a fundamental support.
Is the word Pillar imperative?
No, "pillar" is not an imperative as it is not a verb.
What is a stressed syllable in Pillar?
The first syllable "pil-" is stressed in "pillar."
Is Pillar a vowel or consonant?
"Pillar" starts with the consonant "p."
How many syllables are in Pillar?
There are two syllables in "pillar."
Which determiner is used with Pillar?
Determiners like "the," "a," "this," or "that" can be used with "pillar."
How do we divide Pillar into syllables?
Pillar is divided into syllables as pil-lar.
What is the opposite of Pillar?
There isn’t a direct opposite, but in the context of support, it could be "liability."
How is Pillar used in a sentence?
"Each pillar in the temple hall was intricately carved."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
