pedestal

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a support or foundation
  2. noun a position of great esteem (and supposed superiority)
  3. noun an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)

Etymology

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

In classic literature

Synonyms

base, stand

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