Piller vs. Pillar – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is pillar. “Piller” is a common misspelling and does not exist as a standard English word. Always use “pillar” to refer to an upright support, a foundational element, or a person/thing providing essential support.
Piller or Pillar – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “piller” and “pillar” is straightforward: pillar is the correct and only accepted spelling in English, while “piller” is a common misspelling. This error often arises from phonetic confusion, as the ‘ar’ sound at the end of “pillar” can sometimes be misheard or misinterpreted as an ‘er’ sound when spoken.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| pillar | Noun | A tall, vertical support; a fundamental principle or person; a distinctive, usually column-shaped, mass. | The ancient temple was supported by massive stone pillars. |
| piller | (Misspelling) | Incorrect spelling of “pillar”. | (Incorrect usage) The building had several strong piller. |
How to Use Pillar
“Pillar” is used to describe a strong, upright support, often architectural, but also extends metaphorically to foundational concepts, essential individuals, or key elements. It conveys strength, stability, and importance. Its usage is consistent across formal and informal contexts.
Example 1: The grand hall featured elegant marble pillars supporting the arched ceiling.
Example 2: Education is considered a pillar of a healthy society.
Example 3: She has been a pillar of strength for her family during difficult times.
What are the different forms of Pillar?
The word “pillar” primarily functions as a noun. Its plural form is “pillars.” While less common, it can be used adjectivally in compound terms (e.g., “pillar box” for a type of mailbox in British English, or “pillar drill” for a type of drilling machine). It does not typically have verb forms or other grammatical variations.
Etymology of the word Pillar
The word “pillar” traces its origins back to the Old French word piler, meaning “pillar, column, post.” This, in turn, came from the Latin pīla, which referred to a “pillar, pier, or mole.” The word has maintained its core meaning of a vertical support structure throughout its linguistic journey into English, evolving to include its significant metaphorical senses.
Related Concepts
Understanding common misspellings like “piller” for “pillar” often relates to the concept of phonetic spelling errors. These occur when a word is spelled the way it sounds, rather than adhering to its conventional orthography. English, with its complex pronunciation rules and silent letters, is particularly prone to such errors. Words that contain similar vowel sounds or blends, like the ‘ar’ in “pillar,” can easily be confused with other common letter combinations, leading to misspellings. Developing a strong visual memory for words and double-checking spellings are key strategies to overcome these phonetic traps.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” — Mahatma Gandhi (This quote, while not using “pillar” directly, speaks to the foundational ‘pillars’ of a nation).
- “Four pillars of wisdom: to see things as they are; to understand what you see; to do what you understand; and to endure what you do.” — Peter Kreeft (This explicitly uses the metaphorical sense of “pillars”).
- “The Pillars of the Earth” — Title of a historical novel by Ken Follett, referring to the massive architectural supports of cathedrals.
- “He was a pillar of the community, always ready to lend a hand or offer wise counsel.” — From a local news obituary, highlighting a person’s foundational role.
- “The company’s success rests on three main pillars: innovation, customer service, and quality products.” — A common phrase in business reports, using “pillars” to mean fundamental principles.
Pillar Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Column | An upright support, usually cylindrical, in a building or standing alone. |
| Post | A piece of timber or metal set upright to support something or serve as a marker. |
| Support | A thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright. |
| Foundation | The lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level; an underlying basis or principle. |
| Mainstay | A person or thing on which something else is based or depends. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “piller” a common misspelling?
“Piller” is a common misspelling due to phonetic confusion. The ‘ar’ sound at the end of “pillar” can sound similar to an ‘er’ sound, leading people to spell it as it might sound phonetically.
Question 2: Does “pillar” have any other meanings besides an architectural support?
Yes, “pillar” is frequently used metaphorically to describe a fundamental principle, an essential element, or a person who provides crucial support or leadership (e.g., “a pillar of the community” or “the pillars of democracy”).
Question 3: How can I remember the correct spelling of “pillar”?
One way to remember is to associate “pillar” with “altar” (both have the ‘ar’ ending sound) or to think of a “pillar” as standing tall, and tall has two L’s, just like “pillar” (pillar).
Conclusion
In summary, the correct word is unequivocally pillar, referring to an upright support, a foundational principle, or a person of great importance. “Piller” is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all written communication. Remembering the correct spelling ensures clarity and precision in your language.
Pro Tip: Consistent and correct spelling, especially for commonly confused words, is a hallmark of professional writing. Always double-check spellings to maintain your credibility and ensure your message is understood as intended.
