pedestal Definition
- 1the base or support on which a statue, obelisk, or column is mounted
- 2a position in which someone is greatly or uncritically admired
Using pedestal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pedestal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The statue was placed on a pedestal in the town square.
Example
He was put on a pedestal by his fans and admirers.
Example
She knocked the vase off the pedestal by accident.
Example
The team's winning streak has been knocked off its pedestal by a series of losses.
pedestal Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with pedestal
to admire or idealize someone to an extent that is unrealistic or unwarranted
Example
She put him on a pedestal and was disappointed when he didn't live up to her expectations.
to cause someone to lose their high status or position of admiration
Example
The scandal knocked the politician off his pedestal and ruined his career.
Example
The dining room had a beautiful pedestal table with ornate carvings.
Origins of pedestal
from French 'piedestal', from Italian 'piedistallo', from 'piede' meaning 'foot' and 'stallo' meaning 'stall'
Summary: pedestal in Brief
A 'pedestal' [ˈpɛdəstl] is a base or support for a statue, obelisk, or column. It can also refer to a position of great admiration, as in 'He was put on a pedestal by his fans and admirers.' Phrases include 'put someone on a pedestal,' meaning to unrealistically admire someone, and 'knock someone off their pedestal,' meaning to cause someone to lose their high status.