Meaning & use
key pillars
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Meanings
nounpluralfigurative
The main ideas or parts that support a plan, system, or argument.
Grammar: Always plural in this figurative sense; singular 'key pillar' is rare.
Patterns
- key pillars of something
- form the key pillars
Education and healthcare are key pillars of the welfare state.
The strategy rests on three key pillars: innovation, quality, and service.
Trust is one of the key pillars of a strong relationship.
nounplural
Literal main supporting columns in a structure.
Grammar: Rare; usually just 'pillars'.
Patterns
- key pillars of a building
- support with key pillars
The architect designed key pillars to hold the roof.
The key pillars of the bridge were made of reinforced concrete.
Workers inspected the key pillars for cracks.
Common combinations
- key pillars of the economy
- Agriculture and tourism are key pillars of the economy.
- key pillars of a strategy
- The key pillars of our strategy are growth and sustainability.
- one of the key pillars
- Freedom of speech is one of the key pillars of democracy.
Synonyms and how they differ
- foundations
- Similar, but 'foundations' emphasizes the base or starting point.
- cornerstones
- Very close in meaning; 'cornerstone' often refers to a single most important element.
Word family
- pillar noun
- A tall vertical column, or a main support.
Practice
What does 'key pillars' most commonly refer to in a business context?
Choose one answer.
In business, 'key pillars' usually means the main ideas or parts that support a plan or system. The literal sense of physical columns is less common.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “key pillars”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.