What does pedimental mean?
Pedimental is an architectural adjective relating to a pediment, the typically triangular feature crowning a classical façade. It can describe the building’s pediment, the sculptural or ornamental treatment of that feature, or a separate object that resembles one. A pedimental composition might place figures or emblems within the sloping field of a pediment, turning the upper part of a building into a prominent decorative and symbolic area. The term is chiefly encountered in architectural description, conservation, and art history in both British and American English. Although pedimental and pedantic share a superficial resemblance in spelling, they are unrelated in meaning: pedimental concerns a specific feature of classical architecture, whereas pedantic means overly concerned with precise words, rules, or correctness. The adjective is relatively specialized and is most useful when discussing buildings, monuments, façades, and their sculptural decoration.
adjectiveRelating to a pediment, the triangular upper part of a classical building façade. It may also describe something shaped like or serving as a pediment.
- Of or relating to the pediment of a building.
- Resembling or functioning as a pediment.
"Sculptural figures enlivened the pedimental decoration of the temple."
"The museum's classical façade is crowned by an elaborate pedimental sculpture."
"The broken pedimental shape gives the modern building a hint of antique architecture."
The triangular pediment became one of classical architecture's most recognizable signatures, turning the roofline into a dramatic stage for sculpture.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pedimental
Pedimental was formed in English by adding the suffix -al to pediment, producing an adjective meaning “of or relating to a pediment.” Pediment itself entered English from French pediment, from Italian pedamento, with a connection to Latin pedamentum, a foundation or paving beneath a building. The architectural sense developed through the triangular upper structure that surmounts many classical façades.
Related word forms
How pedimental is actually used
Chiefly used in architecture, architectural history, and descriptions of decorative or sculptural work. It should not be confused with the unrelated adjective pedantic.
Easily confused with pedimental
A pediment is the architectural structure itself, whereas pedimental is an adjective describing something associated with or resembling that structure.