Definition of pediment

The origin of the word "pediment" can be traced back to ancient Greek architecture. A pediment refers to the triangular-shaped gable that sits over the entrance of a building or temple. In Ancient Greek, the term used for this architectural feature was "pedimnos," which means "foreshortened" or "cut off" in reference to the way the gable is truncated at the base. The word evolved over time and in Latin became "pedimentum," meaning "foreshortered." The usage of the term expanded to include any structure with a sloping, triangular roof, such as the entrance of a theatre, as well as structures such as garden arbors and entryways. In modern usage, the term "pediment" is widely used in architecture, including in neoclassical and neo-Gothic styles, in which it has become a design element used to symbolize classicism, tradition, and historical significance. While the function of pediments has changed over time, from simply being a decorative element to serving as a sign of a building's cultural and historical heritage, the term continues to evoke the sense of "foreshortening" and "cut off-ness" that characterized the original concept. In essence, a pediment is a visual representation of the line drawn between the top of a façade and the start of a roof, reminding us of the triangular form and rich cultural heritage of classical architecture.