podium

Definitions

From Greek podion, 'little foot' (pod = foot, the Greek form of ped). A podium is a raised place to set your feet — a platform. Note the spelling: this is the Greek pod- branch, not the Latin ped-.

Why It Means This

The same word splits into two everyday scenes. In a hall, the podium is where a speaker or conductor stands. In sport, the podium is the three-tiered stand for gold, silver, and bronze — hence 'a podium finish' means placing in the top three. Both keep the original picture: a raised stand for the feet.

Common Collocations

• 1.take the podium走上讲台／领奖台
• 2.step up to the podium走到讲台前
• 3.podium finish获得前三名
• 4.finish on the podium站上领奖台

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone.

• 2.

  The young driver was thrilled to reach the podium in only his second race.

• 3.

  A podium finish would secure the team's place in the finals.

Easily Confused

podium vs lectern — strictly, a podium is the raised platform you stand on; a lectern is the slanted stand you put your notes on. In everyday American English 'podium' is often used for both, but in careful usage you stand on a podium and read from a lectern.