Sole

Definition

Sole generally denotes being the only one or being unique. It can also refer to the bottom part of the foot or footwear. The term carries different meanings and uses within various contexts, including legal, anatomical, and everyday language.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /soʊl/
• Respelling: SOLE (with "SOLE" rhyming with "bowl" and "roll")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səʊl/
• Respelling: SOLE (similar to American English, with "SOLE" rhyming with "bowl" and "roll")

In both dialects, "sole" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, as in "bowl" or "roll." The pronunciation of "sole" is consistent between American and British English, clearly reflecting the word's simple and direct phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "sole" has different etymological origins depending on its usage. As an adjective, it stems from the Latin word solus, meaning alone or only. As a noun referring to the underside of the foot or footwear, it comes from Old French sole, from Latin solea meaning "sandal, sill," which is related to solum "bottom, ground, soil."

Derivatives

• Solely
• Solemn
• Solemnity

Synonyms

Adjective

• Only
• Exclusive

Noun

• Bottom
• Base

Antonyms

Adjective

• Shared
• Common

Noun

• Top
• Upper

Usage

The term "sole" can denote exclusivity or uniqueness when used as an adjective. It's also employed as a noun to refer to the bottom part of feet or footwear. It carries legal connotations in phrases like "sole custody" or "sole proprietorship," emphasizing exclusive rights or ownership.

Related Terms

• Sole custody
• Sole proprietorship
• Sole trader

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Exclusive: Being the only one; unique; not shared or possessed by others.
• Example: He is the sole survivor of the accident.

• Particular: Pertaining to a single person or thing as opposed to more than one.
• Example: She has the sole authority to make the decision.

Noun

• Anatomical: The underside of the foot.
• Example: She had a cut on the sole of her foot.

• Footwear: The bottom part of a shoe or boot, touching the ground.
• Example: The soles of my boots are worn out.