Pillar vs. Post — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 6, 2024
Pillars are vertical support structures often used for architectural and structural purposes, known for their decorative and load-bearing capabilities. Posts, while vertical supports, are more utilitarian in nature and can be found in variety of settings.
Difference Between Pillar and Post
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pillars are designed to bear the weight of structures and may be constructed from materials like stone, marble, or concrete, showcasing intricate designs or carvings. Posts, in contrast, are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic, with a focus on functionality rather than aesthetics. While pillars often serve as prominent architectural features in buildings and temples, symbolizing strength and stability, posts are used for practical purposes such as supporting fences, signs, or electrical wires.
The construction and symbolism of pillars set them apart from posts; pillars can be found in historical and modern architecture, embodying cultural and religious significance. On the other hand, posts are integral to everyday structures and utilities, emphasizing utility and support without the connotations of grandeur associated with pillars.
Understanding the differences between pillars and posts not only highlights their distinct roles in construction and architecture but also reflects the balance between beauty and utility in structural design. Whether as a monumental pillar of an ancient temple or a wooden post in a backyard fence, each serves its purpose with varying degrees of complexity and elegance.
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Structural support with an emphasis on aesthetics and architectural significance.
Structural support focusing on practicality and utility.
Material
Commonly stone, marble, or concrete, often decorated.
Typically wood, metal, or plastic, usually plain.
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Usage
Used in buildings, temples, and as monuments.
Used in fences, signs, and as utility poles.
Symbolism
Often symbolizes strength, stability, and sometimes religious or cultural values.
Lacks the symbolic significance often associated with pillars.
Design
Designed to be both functional and decorative.
Designed primarily for function, with minimal attention to aesthetics.
Compare with Definitions
Pillar
Architecturally, pillars may form part of a building's aesthetic, contributing to its overall design and appeal.
The grand entrance was flanked by elegant marble pillars, enhancing the building's majestic appearance.
Post
In many cases, posts are functional elements that can be adjusted or replaced as needed.
After the storm, the damaged posts of the signboard were quickly replaced.
Pillar
A robust vertical structure intended to support buildings, often decorative and made from materials like stone or marble.
The ancient temple was supported by massive stone pillars, each carved with intricate designs.
Post
Posts can also refer to poles used in utilities, like electrical or telephone poles, highlighting their role in everyday infrastructure.
The new telephone posts were installed to improve the network's reliability in the rural area.
Pillar
Pillars can also symbolize stability and strength in cultural or religious contexts.
In many cultures, pillars are erected as monuments to commemorate significant historical events.
Post
A vertical support structure used in various applications, such as fencing or as part of a building's framework.
The wooden posts were spaced evenly along the fence line, providing sturdy support for the panels.
Pillar
The design of pillars can vary significantly, from simple cylindrical forms to elaborately decorated structures.
The building's facade was adorned with Corinthian pillars, each topped with an ornate capital.
Post
Posts are essential for the structural integrity of constructions and utilities but are usually not designed as focal points.
The deck was supported by several posts buried deep into the ground for stability.
Pillar
Apart from supporting roofs and arches, pillars often serve a ceremonial or commemorative purpose.
The pillar in the town square was dedicated to the local heroes of the community.
Post
The material and design of a post are chosen based on the specific requirements of its use, such as strength or resistance to elements.
Metal posts were used for the outdoor signage to ensure durability and resistance to weather.
Pillar
A slender, freestanding, vertical support; a column.
Post
A long, sturdy piece of timber or metal set upright in the ground and used as a support or marker
Follow the blue posts until the track meets a road
Pillar
Such a structure or one similar to it used for decoration.
Post
A piece of writing, image, or other item of content published online, typically on a blog or social media website or application
In a recent post, he cautioned investors to be wary of these predictions
Pillar
One who occupies a central or responsible position
A pillar of the state.
Post
The official service or system that delivers letters and parcels
The tickets are in the post
Winners will be notified by post
Pillar
To support or decorate with pillars or a pillar.
Post
Each of a series of couriers who carried mail on horseback between fixed stages.
Pillar
(architecture) A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
Post
A position of paid employment; a job
He resigned from the post of Foreign Minister
A teaching post
Pillar
Something resembling such a structure.
A pillar of smoke
Post
A place where someone is on duty or where a particular activity is carried out
A customs post
A shift worker asleep at his post
Pillar
(figuratively) An essential part of something that provides support.
He's a pillar of the community.
Post
The status or rank of full-grade captain in the Royal Navy
Captain Miller was made post in 1796
Pillar
(Roman Catholic) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
Post
Display (a notice) in a public place
A curt notice had been posted on the door
Pillar
The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
Post
Announce or publish (something, especially a financial result)
The company posted a £460,000 loss
Pillar
(bodybuilding) The body from the hips over the core to the shoulders.
Post
(of a player or team) achieve or record (a particular score or result)
Smith and Lamb posted a century partnership
Pillar
To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.
Post
Send (a letter or parcel) via the postal system
Post off your order form today
I've just been to post a letter
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.
Post
(in bookkeeping) enter (an item) in a ledger
Post the transaction in the second column
Initial records kept in day books are periodically posted to accounts
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.
Post
Travel with relays of horses
We posted in an open carriage
Pillar
A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
Post
Send (someone) to a place to take up an appointment
He was posted to Washington as military attaché
Pillar
The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
Post
With haste
Come now, come post
Pillar
Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.
Post
Subsequent to; after
American poetry post the 1950s hasn't had the same impact
Pillar
A fundamental principle or practice;
Science eroded the pillars of superstition
Post
A long piece of wood or other material set upright into the ground to serve as a marker or support.
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
Post
A support for a beam in the framework of a building.
Pillar
A prominent supporter;
He is a pillar of the community
Post
A terminal of a battery.
Pillar
A vertical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (as a monument or a column of air)
Post
(Sports) A goal post.
Pillar
(architeture) a tall cylindrical vertical upright and used to support a structure
Post
The starting point at a racetrack.
Post
The slender barlike part of a stud earring that passes through the ear and is secured at the back with a small cap or clip.
Post
An electronic message sent to and displayed on an online forum
Ignored several inflammatory posts.
Post
A military base.
Post
The grounds and buildings of a military base.
Post
A local organization of military veterans.
Post
Either of two bugle calls in the British Army, sounded in the evening as a signal to retire to quarters.
Post
An assigned position or station, as of a guard or sentry.
Post
(Basketball) A position usually taken by the center close to the basket or below the foul line, serving as the focus of the team's offense.
Post
A position of employment, especially an appointed public office.
Post
A place to which someone is assigned for duty.
Post
A trading post.
Post
A postal system.
Post
A post office.
Post
A delivery or amount of mail
Waiting for the morning's post to arrive.
Post
One of a series of relay stations along a fixed route, furnishing fresh riders and horses for the delivery of mail on horseback.
Post
A rider on such a mail route; a courier.
Post
To display (an announcement) in a place of public view.
Post
To cover (a wall, for example) with posters.
Post
To announce by or as if by posters
Post banns.
Post
(Computers) To make (an electronic message) available by sending it to an online forum
Posted a response to a question about car engines.
Post
To put up signs on (property) warning against trespassing.
Post
To denounce publicly
Post a man as a thief.
Post
To publish (a name) on a list.
Post
(Games) To gain (points or a point) in a game or contest; score.
Post
To assign to a specific position or station
Post a sentry at the gate.
Post
To appoint to a naval or military command.
Post
To put forward; present
Post bail.
Post
Chiefly British To mail (a letter or package).
Post
(Archaic) To send by mail in a system of relays on horseback.
Post
To inform of the latest news
Keep us posted.
Post
To transfer (an item) to a ledger in bookkeeping.
Post
To make the necessary entries in (a ledger).
Post
(Computers) To enter (a unit of information) on a record or into a section of storage.
Post
To travel in stages or relays.
Post
To travel with speed or in haste.
Post
To bob up and down in the saddle in rhythm with a horse's trotting gait.
Post
With great speed; rapidly.
Post
By post horse.
Post
A long dowel or plank protruding from the ground; a fencepost; a lightpost.
Ram a post into the ground
Post
(construction) A stud; a two-by-four.
Post
A pole in a battery.
Post
(dentistry) A long, narrow piece inserted into a root canal to provide retention for a crown.
Post
A prolonged final melody note, among moving harmony notes.
Post
A printing paper size measuring 19.25 inches x 15.5 inches.
Post
(sports) A goalpost.
Post
A location on a basketball court near the basket.
Post
(obsolete) The doorpost of a victualler's shop or inn, on which were chalked the scores of customers; hence, a score; a debt.
Post
The vertical part of a crochet stitch.
Post
(obsolete) Each of a series of men stationed at specific places along a postroad, with responsibility for relaying letters and dispatches of the monarch (and later others) along the route.
Post
(dated) A station, or one of a series of stations, established for the refreshment and accommodation of travellers on some recognized route.
A stage or railway post
Post
A military base; the place at which a soldier or a body of troops is stationed; also, the troops at such a station.
Post
Someone who travels express along a set route carrying letters and dispatches; a courier.
Post
An organisation for delivering letters, parcels etc., or the service provided by such an organisation.
Sent via post; parcel post
Post
A single delivery of letters; the letters or deliveries that make up a single batch delivered to one person or one address.
Post
A message posted in an electronic or Internet forum, or on a blog, etc.
Post
(American football) A moderate to deep passing route in which a receiver runs 10-20 yards from the line of scrimmage straight down the field, then cuts toward the middle of the field (towards the facing goalposts) at a 45-degree angle.
Two of the receivers ran post patterns.
Post
(obsolete) Haste or speed, like that of a messenger or mail carrier.
Post
(obsolete) One who has charge of a station, especially a postal station.
Post
An assigned station; a guard post.
Post
An appointed position in an organization, job.
Post
Post-production.
We'll fix it in post
Post
A post mortem investigation of body's cause of death.
Post
(transitive) To hang (a notice) in a conspicuous manner for general review.
Post no bills.
Post
To hold up to public blame or reproach; to advertise opprobriously; to denounce by public proclamation.
To post someone for cowardice
Post
(accounting) To carry (an account) from the journal to the ledger.
Post
To inform; to give the news to; to make acquainted with the details of a subject; often with up.
Post
To pay down (the stake).
Post
To pay (a blind).
Since Jim was new to the game, he had to post $4 in order to receive a hand.
Post
To travel with relays of horses; to travel by post horses, originally as a courier.
Post
To travel quickly; to hurry.
Post
To send (an item of mail etc.) through the postal service.
Mail items posted before 7.00pm within the Central Business District and before 5.00pm outside the Central Business District will be delivered the next working day.
Post
(horse-riding) To rise and sink in the saddle, in accordance with the motion of the horse, especially in trotting.
Post
(Internet) To publish (a message) to a newsgroup, forum, blog, etc.
I couldn't figure it out, so I posted a question on the mailing list.
Post
To enter (a name) on a list, as for service, promotion, etc.
Post
To assign to a station; to set; to place.
Post a sentinel in front of the door.
Post
With the post, on post-horses; by a relay of horses (changing at every staging-post); hence, express, with speed, quickly.
Post
Sent via the postal service.
Post
After; especially after a significant event that has long-term ramifications.
Post
Hired to do what is wrong; suborned.
Post
A piece of timber, metal, or other solid substance, fixed, or to be fixed, firmly in an upright position, especially when intended as a stay or support to something else; a pillar; as, a hitching post; a fence post; the posts of a house.
They shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper doorpost of the houses.
Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore,The gates of Azza, post and massy bar.
Unto his order he was a noble post.
Post
The doorpost of a victualer's shop or inn, on which were chalked the scores of customers; hence, a score; a debt.
When God sends coinI will discharge your post.
Post
The place at which anything is stopped, placed, or fixed; a station.
Post
A messenger who goes from station; an express; especially, one who is employed by the government to carry letters and parcels regularly from one place to another; a letter carrier; a postman.
In certain places there be always fresh posts, to carry that further which is brought unto them by the other.
I fear my Julia would not deign my lines,Receiving them from such a worthless post.
Post
An established conveyance for letters from one place or station to another; especially, the governmental system in any country for carrying and distributing letters and parcels; the post office; the mail; hence, the carriage by which the mail is transported.
I send you the fair copy of the poem on dullness, which I should not care to hazard by the common post.
Post
Haste or speed, like that of a messenger or mail carrier.
Post
One who has charge of a station, especially of a postal station.
He held office of postmaster, or, as it was then called, post, for several years.
Post
A station, office, or position of service, trust, or emolument; as, the post of duty; the post of danger.
The post of honor is a private station.
Post
A size of printing and writing paper. See the Table under Paper.
Post
To attach to a post, a wall, or other usual place of affixing public notices; to placard; as, to post a notice; to post playbills.
Post
To hold up to public blame or reproach; to advertise opprobriously; to denounce by public proclamation; as, to post one for cowardice.
On pain of being posted to your sorrowFail not, at four, to meet me.
Post
To enter (a name) on a list, as for service, promotion, or the like.
Post
To assign to a station; to set; to place; as, to post a sentinel.
Post
To carry, as an account, from the journal to the ledger; as, to post an account; to transfer, as accounts, to the ledger.
You have not posted your books these ten years.
Post
To place in the care of the post; to mail; as, to post a letter.
Post
To inform; to give the news to; to make (one) acquainted with the details of a subject; - often with up.
Thoroughly posted up in the politics and literature of the day.
Post
To travel with post horses; figuratively, to travel in haste.
And post o'er land and ocean without rest.
Post
To rise and sink in the saddle, in accordance with the motion of the horse, esp. in trotting.
Post
With post horses; hence, in haste; as, to travel post.
Post
The position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand;
A soldier manned the entrance post
A sentry station
Post
Military installation at which a body of troops is stationed;
This military post provides an important source of income for the town nearby
There is an officer's club on the post
Post
A job in an organization;
He occupied a post in the treasury
Post
An upright consisting of a piece of timber or metal fixed firmly in an upright position;
He set a row of posts in the ground and strung barbwire between them
Post
United States aviator who in 1933 made the first solo flight around the world (1899-1935)
Post
United States female author who wrote a book and a syndicated newspaper column on etiquette (1872-1960)
Post
United States manufacturer of breakfast cereals and Postum (1854-1914)
Post
Any particular collection of letters or packages that is delivered;
Your mail is on the table
Is there any post for me?
She was opening her post
Post
A pole or stake set up to mark something (as the start or end of a race track);
A pair of posts marked the goal
The corner of the lot was indicated by a stake
Post
The system whereby messages are transmitted via the post office;
The mail handles billions of items every day
He works for the United States mail service
In England they call mail `the post'
Post
The delivery and collection of letters and packages;
It came by the first post
If you hurry you'll catch the post
Post
Affix in a public place or for public notice;
Post a warning
Post
Publicize with, or as if with, a poster;
I'll post the news on the bulletin board
Post
Assign to a post; put into a post;
The newspaper posted him in Timbuktu
Post
Assign to a station
Post
Display, as of records in sports games
Post
Enter on a public list
Post
Transfer (entries) from one account book to another
Post
Ride Western style and bob up and down in the saddle in in rhythm with a horse's trotting gait
Post
Mark with a stake;
Stake out the path
Post
Put up;
Post a sign
Post a warning at the dump
Post
Cause to be directed or transmitted to another place;
Send me your latest results
I'll mail you the paper when it's written
Post
Mark or expose as infamous;
She was branded a loose woman
Common Curiosities
How do pillars contribute to the structural integrity of a building?
Pillars bear loads from the structure above, distributing weight evenly to the foundation, and can also resist lateral forces, contributing to a building's stability.
What distinguishes a pillar from a post?
A pillar is often decorative, made from materials like stone, and used for both support and aesthetics in architecture. A post is more functional, used for practical purposes in construction and utilities.
Can a post be decorative?
While posts are generally utilitarian, they can be crafted or painted to add aesthetic value, though their primary purpose remains functional.
Are pillars always made of stone or marble?
No, pillars can be made from various materials, including concrete, brick, or even wood, but stone and marble are traditional choices for their durability and aesthetic appeal.
What is the significance of pillars in ancient architecture?
In ancient architecture, pillars were not only structural but also carried symbolic meanings, representing religious, cultural, or political values.
How are posts installed to ensure stability?
Posts are typically anchored deeply into the ground or a foundation to provide stability and support for the structures or utilities they support.
Can posts be considered architectural features?
While posts are primarily functional, they can be designed to complement an architectural style, but they lack the ornamental focus of pillars.
Can the design of a pillar affect its supportive capability?
Yes, the design, including the shape and material of a pillar, can influence its strength and the amount of weight it can support.
Are there modern uses for pillars outside of traditional architecture?
Yes, modern architecture often incorporates pillars for both structural reasons and as design elements, reflecting contemporary styles and technologies.
Do all buildings have pillars?
Not all buildings use pillars in their construction; the choice depends on architectural style, structural needs, and aesthetic preferences.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
