Pedestrian Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pedestrian

[pษ™หˆdษ›strษชษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in city

A person walking along a road or in a developed area.

Synonyms

foot traveler, jaywalker, walker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pedestrian

Used in a general sense to describe someone walking along a road or in a developed area. Often used in transport or urban planning contexts.

  • Pedestrians should always use the crosswalk for safety.
  • The city is building more pedestrian-friendly pathways.
walker

A general term for someone who is walking, can be used in a variety of contexts, including exercise and nature walks.

  • Morning walkers often meet at the park.
  • She is a regular walker who enjoys long hikes.
foot traveler

Used to describe someone who is traveling a long distance by walking. Suitable for narratives or contexts involving journeys.

  • The foot traveler walked from one village to another.
  • As a foot traveler, he enjoyed the scenery better than any other tourist.
jaywalker

Refers to a person who crosses the street in an illegal or unsafe manner. Often used in contexts related to traffic safety. Negative connotation.

  • The jaywalker was nearly hit by an oncoming car.
  • Fines for jaywalkers are being increased to improve road safety.

Examples of usage

  • The pedestrian waited for the traffic light to change before crossing the street.
  • Drivers should always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Context #2 | Adjective

uninteresting

Lacking inspiration or excitement; dull.

Synonyms

commonplace, ordinary, uninspired.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pedestrian

Used to describe something overly simple, lacking excitement or imagination, often in a negative context.

  • The movie's plot was rather pedestrian, failing to captivate the audience
uninspired

Indicates a lack of creativity or originality, often suggesting something is dull or uninteresting.

  • The artist's latest work seemed uninspired, lacking the usual brilliance and innovation
ordinary

Describes something normal or typical without any special quality or feature, generally neutral in tone.

  • He led an ordinary life, working a 9-to-5 job and spending weekends with his family
commonplace

Refers to something very usual and not interesting, often suggesting it is trivial or has been seen many times before.

  • It is commonplace for people to check their phones as soon as they wake up

Examples of usage

  • The movie received pedestrian reviews and failed to attract a large audience.
  • Her presentation was pedestrian and did not capture the audience's attention.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Urban Development

  • As cities expanded, pedestrian pathways became essential for safety and accessibility.
  • Many urban planners advocate for pedestrian-friendly designs to reduce traffic accidents.
  • Modern cities often host pedestrian-only areas, promoting walking over vehicular traffic.

Culture

  • In literature, a common theme involves a pedestrian reflecting on life while walking, symbolizing a journey of self-discovery.
  • In the arts, pedestrians often serve as subjects in paintings and photographs, capturing the essence of everyday life.
  • Street performances often attract crowds of pedestrians looking for entertainment on the go.

Social Psychology

  • Walking as a pedestrian can impact mood and psychological well-being, promoting feelings of happiness.
  • Social interactions often occur among pedestrians, fostering community connections and conversations.
  • Studies show that pedestrian-friendly environments can boost social engagement and community activity.

Transportation

  • Pedestrians are considered vulnerable road users, requiring protective measures like crosswalks.
  • Traffic laws prioritize pedestrian safety, mandating drivers yield at designated crossings.
  • Many urban transport systems integrate pedestrian zones, encouraging walking as a preferred mode of transit.

Origin of 'pedestrian'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'pedester', meaning 'on foot', which evolved into describing those who walk.
  • Related to the Latin word 'pes', meaning 'foot', highlighting the connection to walking.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the late 15th century.

The word 'pedestrian' originated in the mid-18th century from the Latin word 'pedestris', meaning 'on foot'. It was initially used to refer to a person traveling on foot, especially in urban areas. Over time, the term has evolved to also describe something lacking in excitement or interest, reflecting the idea of something that is ordinary or commonplace.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,106, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.