The Podium and the Lectern

Our society has morphed into casualness: casual attire, casual manners, casual lingo.  This being a blog about syntax and its vicissitudes, let's explore the differences between podium and lectern, two terms that are consistently used interchangeably.  In fact, they are neither the same, nor even synonyms.

Podium (n.) is a small platform where someone or something stands on.  A soapbox or stage.  The origin of the word is Latin for an elevated area or balcony, and from the Greek podion, meaning little foot. Also used in zoology to describe the foot-like part of a vertebrate limb.

Note, also, that the medical specialty for problems with the feet is called Podiatry. I'm sure you will recognize the root, "pod." Several terms are connected to this root, including dorsalis pedis, tinea pedis, pedicure, and more. The French word for foot is pied.

Lectern (n.) is a structure upon which to place one's reading material or notes or musical libreto.  From Latin derivative, legere or lectura (to read), or modern French, lecture (reading).  Indeed, the work lecture has been adopted into modern English, and means to speak, orate, instruct, or deliver a reprimand.