pedal
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a part of a bicycle, car, or machine that you push with your foot to make it go or stop.
n.a lever operated by the foot to power a vehicle or control a mechanism.
Simple“He pushed the brake pedal hard to stop the car before the red light.”
In context“The cyclist maintained a steady rhythm, her feet clipped into the pedals to ensure maximum power transfer during the steep climb.”
UsageCommonly used with the verbs 'push', 'press', or 'step on'.
Synonymslevertreadle - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small box on the floor that a guitar player steps on to change the sound.
n.an electronic effects unit or mechanical lever used by musicians to modify the tone or sustain of an instrument.
Simple“The guitar player has a special pedal that makes his instrument sound fuzzy.”
In context“The organist expertly navigated the complex bass line using the wooden pedals of the pedalboard while simultaneously managing the manuals.”
UsageIn piano playing, often refers specifically to the sustain or damper pedals.
Synonymsstompboxsustain pedal - 03 A2 Elementary
v.to push the pedals of a bicycle with your feet to move forward.
v.to operate a bicycle or similar vehicle by moving the feet in a circular motion on the pedals.
Simple“We had to pedal very hard to get up the big hill.”
In context“She pedalled furiously across the finish line, securing her position at the top of the leaderboard after a gruelling three-hour race.”
UsageIntransitive when describing the act of cycling; transitive when describing the action on the pedals themselves.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
adj.having to do with the foot.
adj.pertaining to the foot or a foot-like structure.
Simple“The doctor checked the patient's pedal pulse to ensure blood was reaching the feet.”
In context“The surgeon noted a slight abnormality in the pedal structure, suggesting a congenital issue with the small bones of the midfoot.”
UsageUsed primarily in anatomical or medical contexts.
Synonymspedalpodiatric
Borrowed from French pédale, Latin pedāl(is). By surface analysis, ped- + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.