ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pedestal

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈpɛdəstəɫ// UK //pˈɛdɪstəl// pedestal

n. a base or support that holds up a statue, a column, or a piece of equipment. You can also use it to describe treating someone as if they are perfect.

n. the supporting base or block on which a statue, vase, or column is mounted. Often used figuratively in the phrase 'put someone on a pedestal' to describe excessive admiration.


SIMPLE

The marble statue stands on a tall stone pedestal.

CONTEXTUAL

The museum installed a new pedestal to elevate the sculpture so visitors could see the fine details.

COMPLEX

By placing the leader on a pedestal, the movement made it difficult for anyone to offer constructive criticism without appearing disloyal.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French piédestal, itself borrowed from Italian piedistallo (literally “foot stand”). Spelling influenced by Latin pēs, pedem.

Usage

Commonly used in the idiomatic phrase 'to put someone on a pedestal', meaning to admire them too much.

Idioms1 entry

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