Understanding ‘Column’: Boost Your IELTS Vocabulary
Learn about the word ‘column’, its meanings, usage, and importance for the IELTS test. Discover its origins, synonyms, antonyms, and common mistakes to avoid. Perfect for English learners preparing for IELTS or looking to expand their vocabulary.
Have you ever noticed those tall, round supports holding up buildings or bridges? Those are columns, and today we’re going to learn all about this word to help boost your IELTS vocabulary.
Word type: Column is a noun.
Meaning: A column is a vertical post or pillar, typically cylindrical in shape, used to support a structure or used as a decorative feature in buildings.
Columns can also refer to a vertical section in a newspaper or on a page, or a line of people or vehicles moving in the same direction.
Word history: The word column comes from Latin columna, which means a pillar. This connection to ancient architecture can help you remember its primary meaning.
Antonyms: Some opposite words for column include row, which is horizontal, and beam, which is typically horizontal.
Synonyms: Words with similar meanings to column include pillar, post, and support.
Examples use in sentences:
The ancient Greek temple had massive stone columns supporting its roof. She writes a weekly column in the local newspaper about gardening tips.
The soldiers marched in a long column down the street during the parade. Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing column with row.
Remember, a column goes up and down, while a row goes side to side. Now you know the word column, its meaning, and how to use it correctly.
Practice using it in your own sentences to help remember it for your IELTS test. Columns are all around us, so next time you see one, whether in a building or in a newspaper, you’ll know exactly what to call it.

