Definition

A base or support for a statue, column, or other upright structure, often raised to elevate it and make it more visible.

Example

The statue stood proudly on a marble pedestal in the center of the park.

Conversation

I saw a beautiful statue in the park yesterday, and it was on a tall pedestal.

That sounds amazing! Statues always look more impressive when they're elevated like that.

Exactly, it really made the whole scene more dramatic.

I bet! A good pedestal can change the way we see art.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To put something on a raised base or support, often to display it prominently.

Example

The artist decided to pedestal the statue in the center of the gallery.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you seen how they pedestal the new statue in the park?

Yeah, it looks amazing up there, doesn’t it?

I think it really highlights the art when they pedestal it like that.

Root Explanation

Pedestal → It is formed from "ped" (from Latin "pes", meaning foot) and "-stal" (from Latin "stare", meaning to stand). The word "pedestal" refers to a base or support that stands on the ground, typically for a statue or column, thus literally meaning a foot that stands.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'foot' ('ped') that 'stands' ('stare') to support something above it — that's why a pedestal is a base that holds something up.

Visually Confused Words