Pillar vs. Pole: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
A "pillar" is a tall vertical structure often used for support or ornament in buildings, while a "pole" is a long, slender, rounded piece of wood or metal, often used to support something.
Difference Between Pillar and Pole
"Pillar" and "pole" both relate to vertical structures, but their function, appearance, and application significantly vary. A "pillar" is a firm upright support for a superstructure, often seen in architecture. It can be decorative or functional, serving as an essential element in buildings, particularly in historical or grand structures. "Pole," meanwhile, is a long, slender, usually rounded object, traditionally made of wood but can be of various materials.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
In many cultures, "pillars" are not just architectural elements but have symbolic significance. Ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians used pillars to represent strength, stability, and sometimes religious beliefs. They could be elaborately carved, made of stone, and serve as both a structural and aesthetic element. In contrast, "poles" have a more utilitarian history. They are used for a wide range of purposes, from simple tent supports to utility poles carrying electricity.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
A "pillar" usually has a broader base and top, tapering or remaining uniform in the middle, making it more suitable for bearing weight. It provides foundational support and can be an integral part of a building's design. On the other hand, a "pole" is often more slender throughout its length and may not be designed to support heavy structures. Its applications can be as diverse as flagpoles, fishing rods, or pole vaults.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
In terms of linguistic origin, "pillar" comes from the Old French word "pilier," which relates to a pier or support. "Pole," on the other hand, has roots in Old English "pal," signifying a stake or a fence. While both terms can metaphorically represent support, their physical attributes and primary uses set them apart.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Pillar vs. Pole Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Architectural support or ornament.
Often for supporting light objects.
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Sep 25, 2023
Shape
Broad at the base/top, may taper in the middle.
Typically slender and uniform throughout.
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Sep 25, 2023
Symbolism
Can symbolize strength or religious beliefs.
Lacks the grand symbolic connotations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Historical Relevance
Prominent in ancient architecture.
Utilitarian, with diverse applications.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
Pillar vs. Pole Definitions
◉Pillar
A person regarded as reliably providing essential support.
She was a pillar of strength during tough times.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Pillar
A principle or belief that is firmly upheld.
Honesty and integrity are the pillars of his philosophy.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
◉Pole
Either of the regions contiguous to the extremities of the earth's rotational axis, the North Pole or the South Pole.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
A tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal.
The entrance was marked by two ornate pillars.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Pole
(Electricity) Either of two oppositely charged terminals, as in an electric cell or battery.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
One who occupies a central or responsible position
a pillar of the state.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
(architecture) A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
Either of two antithetical ideas, propensities, forces, or positions.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
(figuratively) An essential part of something that provides support.
He's a pillar of the community.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
(Roman Catholic) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
The origin in a polar coordinate system; the vertex of a polar angle.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
A point in the complex plane at which a given function is not defined.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
(bodybuilding) The body from the hips over the core to the shoulders.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
A long, relatively slender, generally rounded piece of wood or other material.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
The long tapering wooden shaft extending up from the front axle of a vehicle to the collars of the animals drawing it; a tongue.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
(Sports) The inside position on the starting line of a racetrack
qualified in the time trials to start on the pole.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
a fundamental principle or practice;
science eroded the pillars of superstition
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
To propel (oneself) or make (one's way) by the use of ski poles
"We ski through the glades on corn snow, then pole our way over a long one-hour runout to a road" (Frederick Selby).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
a vertical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (as a monument or a column of air)
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May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
(architeture) a tall cylindrical vertical upright and used to support a structure
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May 03, 2023
◉Pillar
A firm upright support for a superstructure.
The ancient temple stood on four massive pillars.
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Pole
Originally, a stick; now specifically, a long and slender piece of metal or (especially) wood, used for various construction or support purposes.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
A long sports implement used for pole-vaulting; now made of glassfiber or carbon fiber, formerly also metal, bamboo and wood have been used.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
Either of the two points on the earth's surface around which it rotates; also, similar points on any other rotating object.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
A point of magnetic focus, especially each of the two opposing such points of a magnet (designated north and south).
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
(electricity) A contact on an electrical device (such as a battery) at which electric current enters or leaves.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
(complex analysis) For a meromorphic function , any point for which as .
The function has a single pole at .
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
To propel by pushing with poles, to push with a pole.
Huck Finn poled that raft southward down the Mississippi because going northward against the current was too much work.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
To identify something quite precisely using a telescope.
He poled off the serial of the Gulfstream to confirm its identity.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
(transitive) To induce piezoelectricity in (a substance) by aligning the dipoles.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
A long, slender piece of wood; a tall, slender piece of timber; the stem of a small tree whose branches have been removed; as, specifically: (a) A carriage pole, a wooden bar extending from the front axle of a carriage between the wheel horses, by which the carriage is guided and held back. (b) A flag pole, a pole on which a flag is supported. (c) A Maypole. See Maypole. (d) A barber's pole, a pole painted in stripes, used as a sign by barbers and hairdressers. (e) A pole on which climbing beans, hops, or other vines, are trained.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
A measuring stick; also, a measure of length equal to 5 yards, or a square measure equal to 30 square yards; a rod; a perch.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
Either extremity of an axis of a sphere; especially, one of the extremities of the earth's axis; as, the north pole.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
A point upon the surface of a sphere equally distant from every part of the circumference of a great circle; or the point in which a diameter of the sphere perpendicular to the plane of such circle meets the surface. Such a point is called the pole of that circle; as, the pole of the horizon; the pole of the ecliptic; the pole of a given meridian.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
One of the opposite or contrasted parts or directions in which a polar force is manifested; a point of maximum intensity of a force which has two such points, or which has polarity; as, the poles of a magnet; the north pole of a needle.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
one of two divergent or mutually exclusive opinions;
they are at opposite poles
they are poles apart
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
one of two points of intersection of the Earth's axis and the celestial sphere
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
one of two antipodal points where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects the Earth's surface
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
a contact on an electrical device (such as a battery) at which electric current enters or leaves
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
one of the two ends of a magnet where the magnetism seems to be concentrated
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May 03, 2023
◉Pole
propel with a pole;
pole barges on the river
We went punting in Cambridge
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pole
A long, slender roundish rod or stick.
He used a pole to pick apples from the tree.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Pole
A rod, stick, or post used for support or as a marker.
The tent was held up by two poles.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Pole
One of two opposite or contrasted principles.
The poles of good and evil often clash in literature.
Levi
Sep 25, 2023
◉Pole
The extremities of an axis through a sphere.
The North Pole is a point of great exploration interest.
William
Sep 25, 2023
Pillar vs. Pole Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pillar be purely decorative?
Yes, some pillars in architecture are non-load bearing and just for aesthetics.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
What's the difference in the shape of a pole and a pillar?
A pole is uniformly slender, while a pillar can be broader at its base or top.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is a pillar always made of stone?
No, pillars can be made from various materials including wood, metal, or concrete.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
What is a "pillar of society"?
It's a metaphorical term indicating someone who is a significant and respected member of a community.
William
Sep 25, 2023
Which term, pillar or pole, has more symbolic meanings?
Pillar often has more symbolic connotations, especially in cultural and religious contexts.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
What is a pillar in architectural terms?
A vertical structure used as a support or ornament in buildings.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can poles carry electricity?
Yes, utility poles are used to carry electrical wires.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
In what context might you hear "opposite poles"?
It refers to two drastically different or opposite viewpoints or positions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Content Creators
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Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
