ENGLISH
REFERENCE

podium

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpoʊdiəm// UK //pˈəʊdiəm// podi·um Informal

n. a small platform that a person stands on so that people can see them. You often see these used by speakers, conductors, or athletes who win a race.

n. a small raised platform used to elevate a speaker, orchestral conductor, or athlete during a ceremony.


SIMPLE

The winner stood on the podium to receive her gold medal.

CONTEXTUAL

The professor stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone before beginning the lecture.

COMPLEX

After a grueling race through the mountains, only the top three finishers were invited to ascend the podium for the trophy presentation.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Latin podium, from Ancient Greek πόδιον (pódion, “base”), a diminutive of πούς (poús, “foot”). Doublet of pew.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'stand on', 'ascend', or 'step up to'.

Pitfall

He stood behind the podium to give his speech.He stood at the lectern to give his speech.In strict usage, a podium is a platform you stand on, while a lectern is the desk that holds your notes; however, many speakers use 'podium' for both.

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