pedestrian
UK: pəˈdestriən | US: pəˈdestriən
n. a person walking on a footpath or sidewalk
adj. lacking inspiration or excitement; dull
pedestrian = ped<foot> + estr<Latin suffix> + ian<noun suffix>
- ped<foot>: From Latin pes (genitive pedis), meaning "foot."
- estr<Latin suffix>: A connective element derived from Latin -ester, often used in forming adjectives.
- ian<noun suffix>: A suffix denoting "related to" or "belonging to," from Latin -ianus.
Etymology Origin:
The word "pedestrian" traces back to Latin pedester ("on foot"), combining pedis (foot) with the suffix -ester (indicating connection). Originally describing something "pertaining to walking," it later evolved to mean "a person walking" (early 18th century) and, figuratively, "unimaginative" (mid-18th century), reflecting the mundane nature of walking compared to riding.
The city built wider sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians.
His speech was criticized for being pedestrian and uninspiring.
Pedestrian safety is a priority in urban planning.
She preferred pedestrian paths to busy roads.
The novel’s plot was disappointingly pedestrian.