pedal
UK/'ped(ə)l/US/'pedl/
IELTSGREB2
Definitions
n.
A foot-operated lever, as on a bicycle, car, or piano.
踏板，脚蹬
v.
To move a bicycle by pushing the pedals; to operate a pedal.
踩踏板，骑（自行车）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedped (foot) + -al = 'belonging to the foot.' A pedal is the part you work with your foot — the most literal ped word. From the noun came the verb: to pedal is to keep pushing those foot levers round.
Root ped still carries 32 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
She pressed the brake pedal hard to avoid the cat.
- 2.
He pedaled up the steep hill without stopping once.
- 3.
The piano's right pedal lets the notes ring on.
Easily Confused
pedal vs peddle — homophones. pedal (from ped, foot) is the lever you press with your foot, or to ride a bike. peddle means to sell goods or spread ideas (a drug peddler). 'Soft-pedal' (downplay) uses pedal; 'peddle lies' uses peddle.