Pedal and Peddle Are Different Words
A pedal is a foot lever. It is a homophone of peddle, meaning to sell, and the two are often confused in writing.
A pedal is a lever operated by the foot. *Peddle*, meaning to sell goods from place to place, sounds identical and is a different word entirely — which is why *peddling influence* and *pedalling a bicycle* need different spellings. *Pedal* is from Latin *pes*, foot; *peddle* is a back-formation from *pedlar*, whose own origin is uncertain. The same Latin foot gives *pedestrian*, *pedicure* and *impede*, which means to shackle the feet.
- A foot lever. *The brake pedal.*
- To operate pedals. *Pedalling uphill.*
- Peddle — to sell. *Peddling wares.*
- Pedestrian — from the same root. *A pedestrian.*
- Latin — *pes*, foot. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | pedal | A brake pedal. |
| Verb | pedal | Pedal harder. |
| Past (UK) | pedalled | He pedalled. |
| Past (US) | pedaled | He pedaled. |
| Homophone | peddle | Peddle goods. |
- She pressed the brake pedal.Vehicle.
- He pedalled up the hill.Cycling.
- Peddling means selling.The other word.
The pes family
- Pedal — worked by the foot
- Pedestrian — one who goes on foot
- Pedicure — care of the feet
- Impede — to shackle the feet, hence to obstruct
- Expedite — to free the feet, hence to speed up
Latin *pedalis*, of the foot, from *pes*, foot. *Peddle* is a separate word, back-formed from *pedlar*.
Pedal or peddle?
Pedal is a foot lever or the act of using one. Peddle means to sell goods. They are unrelated homophones.
Are impede and expedite related?
Yes. Both come from Latin pes, foot: one means to shackle the feet, the other to free them.