broken pediment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (very low frequency, specialized term)Formal, technical, academic
Quick answer
What does “broken pediment” mean?
A type of pediment in classical architecture where the horizontal cornice is interrupted, usually at the center, to create an opening for ornamental features such as urns, statues, or scrollwork.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of pediment in classical architecture where the horizontal cornice is interrupted, usually at the center, to create an opening for ornamental features such as urns, statues, or scrollwork.
Can be used metaphorically to describe any element or structure that appears formally incomplete or intentionally disrupted at its apex or central point for aesthetic effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling of related terms (e.g., 'ornament' vs 'ornamentation') may follow regional conventions.
Connotations
In both regions, connotes classical revival architecture (e.g., Georgian, Neoclassical). In the UK, may be more strongly associated with 18th-century country houses; in the US, with Federal or Greek Revival civic buildings.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to architecture and art history contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “broken pediment” in a Sentence
The [architectural feature] is crowned by a broken pediment.A broken pediment adorns the [facade/doorway/clock].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broken pediment” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The broken-pediment motif was a favourite of James Gibbs.
American English
- The Federal-style doorway featured a broken-pediment design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in art history, architecture history, and architectural conservation texts and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in architectural design, description, and restoration project documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broken pediment”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broken pediment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broken pediment”
- Using it to describe a damaged pediment. Confusing it with a 'segmental pediment' (curved) or a 'scroll pediment'. Using it outside an architectural context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Broken' is a formal architectural term describing a deliberate design where the pediment's outline is interrupted, not a state of disrepair.
They are most associated with Mannerist, Baroque, and late Renaissance architecture, and later revived in Neoclassical, Georgian, and Federal styles.
Yes. A broken pediment can be based on a triangular (pointed) or a segmental (curved) pediment form. The key feature is the intentional break in the cornice line.
Common fillings include statues (like busts or eagles), urns, cartouches (ornamental tablets), shells, or intricate scrollwork (volutes).
A type of pediment in classical architecture where the horizontal cornice is interrupted, usually at the center, to create an opening for ornamental features such as urns, statues, or scrollwork.
Broken pediment is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Broken pediment: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrəʊkən ˈpɛdɪmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbroʊkən ˈpɛdəmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a classical triangular **pediment** on a temple. Now picture it with its top **broken** open to hold a grand statue. The break is intentional, not an accident.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL/COMPLETENESS IS INTACT FORM; ARTISTIC LIBERTY IS DISRUPTION. (The breaking of the strict form represents creative freedom within a classical framework.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining feature of a broken pediment?