Pedal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pedal

[ˈpɛdəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

bicycle

A foot-operated lever used for powering a bicycle.

Synonyms

bike pedal, cycle pedal, foot lever.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pedal	Use 'pedal' as a general term to describe a part of a machine or vehicle that you push with your foot to make it work. I pressed the pedal to accelerate the car. He struggled to reach the pedal on his new bicycle.
foot lever	Use 'foot lever' when describing a mechanical lever operated by the foot, commonly found in industrial or heavy machinery contexts. He pressed the foot lever to start the machine. The foot lever required a lot of strength to push down.
bike pedal	Use 'bike pedal' specifically when talking about the pedals on a bicycle. The bike pedal was broken, so she couldn't ride her bike. He adjusted the bike pedal to make it more comfortable.
cycle pedal	Similar to 'bike pedal,' use 'cycle pedal' when referring to the pedals of a cycle, including both bicycles and tricycles. He felt a strange noise coming from the cycle pedal. The cycle pedal needed oiling after the long trip.

Examples of usage

She pushed down on the pedal to start moving.
Make sure to use both pedals when riding a bike.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

music

A lever on a piano, organ, or other musical instrument that is pressed by the foot to produce a sound.

Synonyms

foot lever, musical pedal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pedal	Used in a similar way to the first entry, but can also apply to various other pedal-operated devices, not just bicycles. The sewing machine is operated by a pedal. The car has two pedals for controlling speed.
foot lever	Often found in mechanical or automotive settings, it is typically used to describe a lever that you control with your foot, such as those in machines or vehicles. Press the foot lever to control the forklift. He activated the machine using the foot lever.
musical pedal	Specifically used in the context of musical instruments, such as pianos or organs, where it refers to the pedals that alter the sound or tone. She pressed the musical pedal to sustain the note. The organist used the musical pedals to create a rich sound.

Word

Description / Examples

pedal

Used in a similar way to the first entry, but can also apply to various other pedal-operated devices, not just bicycles.

The sewing machine is operated by a pedal.
The car has two pedals for controlling speed.

foot lever

Often found in mechanical or automotive settings, it is typically used to describe a lever that you control with your foot, such as those in machines or vehicles.

Press the foot lever to control the forklift.
He activated the machine using the foot lever.

musical pedal

Specifically used in the context of musical instruments, such as pianos or organs, where it refers to the pedals that alter the sound or tone.

She pressed the musical pedal to sustain the note.
The organist used the musical pedals to create a rich sound.

Examples of usage

He used the pedal to sustain the notes on the piano.
The organist skillfully controlled the pedals while playing.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

action

To press or operate a pedal.

Synonyms

operate, press, push.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pedal	Typically used when referring to using a foot-operated lever, especially for bicycles, cars (accelerator or brake), or musical instruments like a piano or organ. She had to pedal hard to climb the steep hill on her bicycle. He pressed the pedal to accelerate the car. The organist skillfully used the foot pedal during the concert.
push	When you need to apply force to move something away from you, such as opening a door or moving an object. It can also be metaphorical, referring to encouraging someone to do something. Please push the door to open it. They had to push the car when it broke down. She tried to push him to pursue his dreams.
press	Used when applying force to something, especially with fingers or hands to make it move or activate. Commonly used for buttons or touch screens. Press the button to start the machine. He forgot to press 'send' on the email before he left. To take a screenshot, press both buttons simultaneously.
operate	Used in reference to running machinery, equipment, or complex systems. It’s a broader term often used in professional or technical settings. The engineer is able to operate the machinery with great precision. She learned how to operate the new software at work. Doctors need years of training to operate complex surgical instruments.

Examples of usage

She pedaled the bicycle up the hill.
He pedaled the sewing machine with his foot.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'pedal'

The word 'pedal' originated from the Latin word 'pedālis', which means 'of the foot'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of pedals has been integral to various inventions, from bicycles to musical instruments, allowing for foot-powered control and operation.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,142, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13139 ageing
13140 amalgamation
13141 subordinated
13142 pedal
13143 chores
13144 grinning
13145 dispensation
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