Sillar can be translated as "stone block" or "ashlar," particularly in architectural contexts.
Meaning and Usage
Meaning: Sillar refers to a large, rectangular, and finely worked stone used in the construction of buildings, especially in classical architecture. It is often found in structures from the Incan civilization or colonial architecture in Spanish-speaking countries.
Usage: The term is primarily used in architectural and construction contexts.
Frequency of Use: Sillar is not an everyday term and is more frequently encountered in written contexts, especially academic, architectural literature, and historical references.
Example Sentences
El sillar utilizado en la construcción de la catedral es de gran calidad.
The stone blocks used in the construction of the cathedral are of high quality.
Los antiguos incas usaban sillar para edificar sus templos.
The ancient Incas used stone blocks to build their temples.
La restauración del edificio ha exigido la colocación de nuevos sillares.
The restoration of the building has required the placement of new stone blocks.
Idiomatic Expressions
Although "sillar" is primarily a noun that is not commonly part of many idiomatic expressions, it can be used in contexts that describe strength or permanence in relation to construction. Here are a few sentences using "sillar" in more idiomatic or figurative expressions:
Su carácter es como un sillar, firme y resistente.
His character is like a stone block, firm and resilient.
La base del proyecto fue un sillar de confianza entre los socios.
The foundation of the project was a stone block of trust among the partners.
Construyamos nuestras amistades sobre un sillar de lealtad.
Let’s build our friendships on a stone block of loyalty.
Etymology
The word sillar derives from the Latin sillar, which means a hewn stone. This shows its historical significance and usage in construction.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
Bloque (block)
Ladrillo (brick) in some contexts, although ladrillo is typically used for smaller, rectangular stones.
Antonyms:
Arena (sand) since a sillar is a solid stone, whereas sand is loose and has no solid form.
This comprehensive breakdown covers the word "sillar" in various aspects, including its meaning, usage, and idiomatic expressions, providing a deep understanding of its significance in the Spanish language.