pedestal

American  

[ped-uh-stl] / ˈpɛd ə stl /

noun

1. an architectural support for a column, statue, vase, or the like.

2. a supporting structure or piece; base.

3. Furniture.

   1. a support for a desk, consisting of a boxlike frame containing drawers one above the other.

   2. a columnar support for a tabletop.

4. Building Trades. a bulge cast at the bottom of a concrete pile.

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verb (used with object)

pedestaled, pedestaling, pedestalled, pedestalling

1. to put on or supply with a pedestal.

idioms

1. set / put on a pedestal, to glorify; idealize.

   When we first became engaged each of us set the other on a pedestal.

pedestal British  

/ ˈpɛdɪstəl /

noun

1. a base that supports a column, statue, etc, as used in classical architecture

2. a position of eminence or supposed superiority (esp in the phrases place, put, or set on a pedestal )

3. 1. either of a pair of sets of drawers used as supports for a writing surface

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pedestal desk

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pedestal More Idioms  

1. see on a pedestal.

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Other Word Forms

• unpedestal verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of pedestal

1555–65; alteration of Middle French piedestal < Italian piedestallo, variant of piedistallo literally, foot of stall. See ped- ², de, stall ¹

Example Sentences

What’s the problem with “fan”? It puts me on a pedestal that makes me feel uncomfortable.

From Los Angeles Times

"They're imperfect as well, which should be celebrated, instead of putting them on a pedestal which you think you have to climb as well."

From BBC

And next to the rings, resting on a kind of pedestal, was a shining, multicolored ball, almost the size of his fist.

From Literature

And where I was standing on a pedestal, clapping.

From Literature

“As a director working on Broadway, that’s what I do with my actors and creative teams, I set them up for success and try to pedestal their great gifts and talents,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• podium