tower
tower
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "tower" is /ˈtaʊ.ər/.
/ˈtaʊ/
/ər/
Word Form Variations
Noun: tower (singular), towers (plural)
Verb: tower (base form), towers (third person singular present), towering (present participle), towered (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: towering (present participle used adjectivally)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A tall, narrow building or structure, especially one forming part of a castle, church, or other large building.
Synonyms: spire, turret, minaret, belfry, campanile, skyscraper (if very tall and modern)
Antonyms: basement, cellar, underground, foundation, dugout
Definition 2: A tall, usually cylindrical, structure that houses equipment, controls, or serves as an observation post.
Synonyms: mast, pylon, column, beacon, control tower, water tower
Antonyms: (No direct antonym; refers to a specific functional structure)
Definition 3: (Figurative) A person or thing that is notably tall, strong, or prominent.
Synonyms: giant, colossus, titan, pillar (of strength), beacon (of hope)
Antonyms: dwarf, midget, pygmy, weakling, nonentity
Definition 4: (Chess) A rook, one of the pieces in the game of chess.
Synonyms: rook
Antonyms: king, queen, bishop, knight, pawn (as other chess pieces)
Verb
Definition 1: To rise to a great height; to be very tall or imposing.
Synonyms: soar, loom, rise, ascend, dominate, overshadow
Antonyms: stoop, cower, shrink, diminish, recede
Definition 2: To be prominently superior or outstanding (over others).
Synonyms: dominate, excel, surpass, outclass, overshadow, transcend
Antonyms: fall short, lag behind, be inferior, be outclassed
Examples of Use
Books:
"The ancient castle's main tower stood sentinel over the valley, battered yet unbowed by centuries of storms." (Fictional example from a fantasy novel or historical fiction)
"The book details the engineering marvels behind the construction of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Parisian ingenuity." (From a non-fiction book on architecture or engineering)
"His intellect seemed to tower over all his peers, allowing him to grasp complex concepts with ease." (Fictional example, metaphorical use, from a character-driven novel)
Newspapers:
"Nairobi's skyline is rapidly transforming with new residential and commercial towers rising across the city." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"The control tower at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport guided the incoming flight safely to the runway." ("The Standard,")
"The veteran politician continues to tower over his rivals in public opinion polls, despite recent controversies." ("Daily Nation,")
Online Publications:
"Explore the history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa: How it was built and why it leans." (An article on a history or travel website, e.g., History.com)
"New 5G cell towers are being deployed across rural Kenya to improve internet connectivity." (A tech news report on "TechCrunch,")
"This guide helps you choose the right PC tower for your gaming setup: performance, cooling, and aesthetics." (An article on a gaming hardware review site, e.g., PCGamer.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!" (From Disney's Tangled, 2010, referring to a fairytale tower)
Television Series: "Our hero must scale the formidable tower to rescue the princess from the dragon's clutches." (Narration in a fantasy animated series)
Song Lyrics: "I was born in a cross-fire hurricane, and I howled at my ma in the driving rain. But it's alright now, in fact it's a gas. But it's all right, I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash, it's a gas, gas, gas." (The Rolling Stones, "Jumpin' Jack Flash," 1968) - This implicitly refers to being in a tall, exposed structure or position.
Video Games: "Your mission is to infiltrate the villain's central tower and deactivate his superweapon." (In-game objective in an action or adventure game, e.g., The Legend of Zelda)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we explore the historical significance of the Tower of London and its dark past." (A podcast on history or true crime, e.g., Lore)
General Public Discourse:
"Look at that new office tower downtown; it's so tall!" (A casual observation about city architecture)
"The air traffic control tower guides all planes safely." (Referring to airport infrastructure)
"He just seems to tower over everyone else on the basketball team." (Describing someone's height)
"My chess set is missing one of its towers." (A common statement about a board game piece)
"I want to visit the Eiffel Tower someday." (A common travel aspiration)
10 Quotes Using Tower
"He will not yield, he will not break. He is a tower of strength." (Lesser-known, but common descriptive phrase for a strong person)
"There is a tower of strength in self-reliance." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance, 1841)
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." (Martin Luther King Jr., "I Have a Dream" speech, August 28, 1963) - This speaks of building a society that will "tower" over injustice.
"Knowledge is power." (Francis Bacon, Meditationes Sacrae, 1597) - Knowledge can be a "tower" of strength for an individual.
"A man has but one life. I want to live it to the full, and I want to enjoy it." (Lesser-known, but common sentiment) - This relates to aspiring to great heights, like a "tower."
"He was a towering figure in the field of quantum physics." (Common biographical phrase for an influential person)
"We will build a tower that reaches to the heavens." (Common biblical allusion, e.g., Tower of Babel)
"My true love has my heart, and I have his." (Sir Philip Sidney) - This implies a love that will "tower" above all else.
"The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of love." (Lesser-known, but common association in popular culture)
"She stood like a tower against the storm, unyielding and strong." (Original quote, metaphorical use)
Etymology
The word "tower" has a clear origin from Latin, through French.
It comes from the Old French word tor (which later became tour in modern French).
This Old French word, in turn, came from the Latin word turris.
In Latin, turris meant "a tower," "a tall building," or "a stronghold."
This Latin word itself might have even older roots, possibly from a pre-Indo-European Mediterranean language.
So, when "tower" first entered the English language, in the early 12th century (Old English to Middle English transition period), its initial meaning was already very clear: "a tall structure, often part of a castle or fortification." Its core meaning of a tall, imposing building or structure has remained consistent throughout its history in English.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Tower
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "tower":
Tower of strength: A person or thing that provides great emotional or moral support.
Ivory tower: A state of privileged seclusion or detachment from the practicalities and hardships of everyday life.
Control tower: The central building at an airport from which air traffic is controlled.
To tower over (someone/something): To be much taller than; to be significantly superior to.
Tower of Babel: A metaphorical reference to a scene of confusion or chaos, usually due to a lack of communication (from the biblical story).
The Tower (of London): A famous historic castle in London, often associated with imprisonment and execution.
To be in a tower: (Figurative) To be isolated or cut off from others.
A towering intellect: Exceptional intelligence or mental capability. (Synonym for "a brilliant mind")
To stand tall: To maintain one's dignity or courage, especially in adversity. (Synonymous with "towering" resilience)
To rise above: To overcome difficulties; to surpass. (Synonymous with "to tower over" challenges)
A beacon in the night: Something that provides hope or guidance in a dark situation. (Can refer to a light "tower")
To be built like a brick outhouse: (Informal) To be very strong and solid. (Synonymous with "built like a tower")
A fortress of solitude: A place of refuge or isolation, often for deep thought. (Synonymous with an "ivory tower" or a remote "tower")
Power tower: (Informal, less common) A very tall and imposing electrical transmission pylon.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of tower from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
