Pedestal - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT pedestal /ˈpɛdəstl/ /ˈpɛdɪstəl/ IPA guide

Other forms: pedestals

A pedestal is a base or foundation that supports something like a statue or work of art. Think of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. where a statue of Lincoln sitting in a chair is raised up on a huge pedestal.

Think of the physical stand or support when you use pedestal figuratively to mean a place of superiority. If you put someone on a pedestal, you honor that person or place him or her above you, as you might a piece of valued art. If you want to knock someone off his or her pedestal, you think that person is too arrogant and you want to do something to humble him or her.

Definitions of pedestal

noun an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue) synonyms: footstall, plinth see moresee less types: socle a plain plinth that supports a wall type of: support supporting structure that holds up or provides a foundation
noun a support or foundation synonyms: base, stand see moresee less types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... brass monkey a metal stand that formerly held cannon balls on sailing ships staddle a base or platform on which hay or corn is stacked trivet a stand, often with short feet, used under a hot dish on a table trivet a three-legged metal stand for supporting a cooking vessel in a hearth type of: support any device that bears the weight of another thing
noun a position of great esteem (and supposed superiority) “they put him on a pedestal” see moresee less type of: position, status the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society

Pronunciation US /ˈpɛdəstl/ UK /ˈpɛdɪstəl/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘pedestal'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing pedestal

Body Language: Ped, Pod ("Foot")

You're sure to get off on the right foot when you learn this list of words that derive from the Latin word pes and the Greek word podi, both meaning "foot." Want to dissect more English words related to anatomy? Here are links to our complete set of Body Language lists: Corp ("Body") / Capit, Capt ("Head") / Or, Os ("Mouth") / Dent, Dont ("Tooth") / Gastr, Gastro ("Stomach") / Neur ("Nerve") / Man ("Hand") / Ped, Pod ("Foot") / Derm ("Skin") / Carn ("Flesh") / Os, Osteo ("Bone") / Cor, Cord, Cardio ("Heart") / Psych ("Mind")

The Poet X Elizabeth Acevedo

Xiomara hides her poetry from her religious family, but when she joins a slam poetry club, she must decide whether or not she's ready for her voice to be heard. Learn these words from the acclaimed novel-in-verse by slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo.

On a Pedestal: Marble-ous Words for Sculpture

Sculpture is likely the most ancient of all arts, possibly going back half a million years to the pre-human era. Whatever style you prefer, this list will help you shape your vocabulary into a work of art.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account