English vocabulary · C1
Pedestal
/ˈpedəstəl/ · n.
A pedestal is a high base that holds a statue or special thing. In daily speech, it can mean giving someone too much praise.
Continue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The bust stood on a pedestal.
- Fans put her on a pedestal.
Word origin and roots
from Italian
- piedistallo — base (from Italian)
Synonyms and nuances
- BASE — bottom support (The Bottom Part)
- STAND — object holder (Made To Hold)
- PLATFORM — raised flat area (A Wide Raised Area)
Similar words
- base
- stand
- platform
Lesson notes
A pedestal is a high base that holds a statue or special thing. In daily speech, it can mean giving someone too much praise.
Related: base, stand, platform. Use pedestal when art needs a high base.
The bust stood on a pedestal. Fans put her on a pedestal.
From Italian. Piedistallo means base. It became pedestal. A base holds art high. That is a pedestal.