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Pedal: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：ride a bicycle (pedal)
pedal
/ˈpedl/
v.
To push the pedals of something like a bicycle or a sewing machine with your feet to make it work or move.
ride a bicycle
➕
/raɪd ə ˈbaɪsɪkl/
v.
To propel or operate a bicycle, sewing machine, or similar device by pushing on its foot pedals with one's feet.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'pes, ped-' meaning 'foot', indicating action done with the foot.
💡 Mnemonic
A PEDAL is what your PED (foot) pushes. Think of PEDestrian (foot walker) and PEDal (foot pusher).
📖 Example
He had to pedal hard up the steep hill in the park.
He had to ride the bicycle vigorously to ascend the steep hill in the park.
🔗 Collocations
pedal a bike – to operate a bicycle by using the pedals
pedal away – to ride a bicycle away from a place
pedal furiously – to pedal very hard and quickly
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
coast (v.) – to move, especially downhill, without using power or pedaling
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'pedal' originates from the Latin 'pedalis', meaning 'of the foot'. It entered English in the early 17th century via French, first describing a foot-operated lever in machinery before being applied to bicycles in the late 19th century.
Meaning 2：foot-operated control (pedal)
pedal
/ˈpedl/
v.
A part of a machine or musical instrument that you push with your foot to control it.
foot-operated control
➕
/fʊt ˈɒpəreɪtɪd kənˈtrəʊl/
v.
A lever on a machine or instrument, such as a bicycle, car, or piano, that is operated by pressing it with the foot to control a specific function.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The piano's right pedal makes the sound last longer.
The foot-operated control on the right side of the piano sustains the sound.
🔗 Collocations
piano pedal – a foot lever on a piano that modifies the sound
brake pedal – the foot control in a vehicle used to slow down or stop
foot pedal – a general term for any pedal operated by the foot
🔄 Synonyms
foot lever (n.) – a bar that is pressed with the foot to operate a mechanism
treadle (n.) – a lever worked by the foot to drive a machine, like an old sewing machine
foot control (n.) – a device operated by the foot to regulate a machine
🌱 Derivatives
pedalboard (n.) – a keyboard played with the feet, or a board containing pedals for an organ or effects unit
Wordbook
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