pillar

A tall upright support or decoration, or something with a similar shape.

• Two pillars support the roof.
• The entrance has four marble pillars.
• A dark pillar of smoke rose from the fire.

How to use it: a pillar of something (A pillar of smoke rose above the trees.)

Similar words: column, post

Common phrases: stone pillar, marble pillar, pillar of smoke, concrete pillar

A person, idea, or thing that provides important support for something.

• She is a pillar of the community.
• Education is a central pillar of the economy.
• My father was a pillar of strength during that difficult year.

How to use it: a pillar of something (Trust is a pillar of our friendship.)

Similar words: mainstay, support, foundation

Common phrases: pillar of society, pillar of strength, central pillar