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pilar

pillar

noun pee-LAHR Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Also means

mainstay

Usage Note

Pilar is masculine (el pilar), used both literally for an architectural column and figuratively for a cornerstone of something: el pilar de la democracia. Unlike columna (which can be both structural and figurative), pilar in the figurative sense emphasises foundational support. It is also a common Spanish given name for women (Pilar), though the common noun is always masculine.

Examples

"La familia es el pilar fundamental de la sociedad."

Natural Translation

The family is the fundamental pillar of society.

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