What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Pulpit vs Podium - What's the difference?

pulpit | podium |

As nouns the difference between pulpit and podium

is that pulpit is a raised platform in a church, usually enclosed, where the minister or preacher stands to conduct the sermon while podium is a platform on which to stand, as when conducting an orchestra or preaching at a pulpit.

As a verb podium is

(sports|proscribed) to finish in the top three at an event or competition.

pulpit

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A raised platform in a church, usually enclosed, where the minister or preacher stands to conduct the sermon.
  • A desk or platform for an orator or public speaker.
  • (nautical) The railing at the bow of a boat, which sometimes extends past the deck. It is sometimes referred to as bow'' ''pulpit''. The railing at the stern of the boat is sometimes referred to as as ''stern'' ''pulpit''; other texts use the perhaps more appropriate term ''pushpit .

    • Derived terms

    * wayside pulpit

    Related terms

    * ambo ----

    podium

    English

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • A platform on which to stand, as when conducting an orchestra or preaching at a pulpit.
  • (proscribed) A stand used to hold notes when speaking publicly.
  • (sports, and, other competitions) A steepled platform upon which the three competitors with the best results may stand when being handed their medals or prize.
  • (sports) A result amongst the best three at a competition.
  • A low wall, serving as a foundation, a substructure, or a terrace wall.
  • # The dwarf wall surrounding the arena of an amphitheatre, from the top of which the seats began.
  • # The masonry under the stylobate of a temple, sometimes a mere foundation, sometimes containing chambers.

    • Synonyms

    * (stand used to hold notes when speaking publicly) lectern

    Usage notes

    Some people object to the “stand for holding notes” sense on the grounds that because of its etymology, podium ought to refer to something that is stood upon (or that at least pertains to the feet in some way), and that (lectern) should instead be used, as it refers to “reading”.

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (sports, proscribed) To finish in the top three at an event or competition.
    • English words affected by prescriptivism ----