Foot (noun) — the part of the body at the end of the leg, which bears the weight of the body and permits motion. It comprises a heel, arch, and toes, which together provide walking, running, and balance. Besides the physical, it can symbolize progress, position, or steps forward.
Feet are a recurring feature in symbolism, appearing in idioms, in popular songs and art, and in elements of culture that generally suggest movement, or can suggest chance or stepping, or rhythm.
How to Pronounce “Foot”?
Audio (UK):
Audio (US):
Start with a soft f followed by a short oo sound as in the word book, then finish hard with a t. Make it light and quick as you dash your foot on the floor.
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Examples: How to Use “Foot” in a Sentence?
The word “foot” is used in a sentence to signify literal movement and is also used to express metaphorical concepts such as taking a step forward, precaution or time.
What Are Synonyms for the Word “Foot”?
A broader vocabulary for the word helps you convey both physical actions and symbolic ideas more effectively, especially when you first define a foot here to set the foundation for its varied uses.
Related nouns: tiptoe march stride heel paw limb
Synonyms (contextual): step toe
Common collocations: footstep put your foot down foot the bill foot in the door
“Foot” Word Formation and Description in Context
The foot in English has a way of forming phrases which express either movement, measure or normal day-to-day activities.
With adjectives: sore foot bare foot damaged foot nimble foot strong foot
With verbs: lift a foot tap a foot stub a foot step on a foot flex a foot
With nouns (noun + noun): foot massage foot injury foot path foot print footrest
Idioms and Phrases with “Foot”
Numerous idioms include the word “foot” to express the ideas of walking, taking a step forward or making a stand, which cannot be rendered by the use of one word.
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Get off on the right foot — to start something positively or make a good impression.
She got off on the rightfoot in her new job by greeting everyone warmly and asking insightful questions. -
Put your foot down — to insist, to show authority, to make a decision.
When the children argued about bedtime, their mother put herfoot down and insisted it was time to sleep. -
Have two left feet — to be clumsy, especially when dancing or moving.
He realized he had two leftfeet when he tried salsa dancing for the first time, stumbling over every step. -
Foot the bill — to pay for something, often against your wish or on behalf of others.
The manager offered tofoot the bill for the team’s celebratory dinner after closing the big deal. -
Drag your feet — to delay or be reluctant to do something.
The committee dragged itsfeet on approving the new policy, slowing the entire project.
It’s Quiz Time: Are You Using “Foot” Like a Native Speaker?
Practice makes perfect — see how the word “foot” works in context with these exercises.
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Saying “Foot” Across Languages
Across cultures, learning how to spell “foot” and pronounce it offers a fascinating glimpse into language and tradition.
| Language | Word for “Foot” |
|---|---|
Spanish |
Pie |
French |
Pied |
German |
Fuß |
Step by Step: Interesting Facts About Feet
Supporting, balancing, and propelling, the word “foot” quietly orchestrates our interaction with the world from the ground up.
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Feet are amazing sense organs.
With over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot alone, feet are extremely sensitive to temperature, pressure, and texture. We can balance, walk on uneven ground, and even pick up on minute changes in the landscape because of this sensitivity. Reflexology demonstrates the foot’s hidden influence on health by using these pressure points to affect other body components. -
Unexpectedly, feet play a cultural importance.
Foot-binding in ancient China symbolized status, ceremonial foot washing in religious rituals denotes humility and care, and taking off shoes in temples is a gesture of respect in many cultures. -
The feet are complex locomotion tools.
They have 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, which can move them into powerful sprinting and sensitive balancing activities. The human foot is an engineering marvel of dexterity and stamina. -
Feet are a window to habits and health.
Our skin disorders, the condition of our nails and our gait can all reveal the overall health. If the appearance of the foot has changed, it would suggest a problem with the circulation, diabetes, or nutritional insufficiency, whereas flat foot, high arch, or pronation behaviour only affects the posture and movement.
Famous Quotes That Feature “Foot”
Cultural wisdom and creative works portray feet as a symbol of stepping forward, taking root and proceeding forward. A “foot” word is taken as a metaphor of life choices, experiences and the means of navigation.
— Abraham Lincoln
Explanation: The quote by Lincoln reminds us to ensure that we are basing our opinions on sound judgment and ideals prior to a commitment. When you have made a reasonable choice, it is important that you stand your ground.
— Voltaire
Explanation: Kneeling before someone is a way of showing obedience but death in their arms is an indication of a wish to end life under the influence of passion. The sentence by Voltaire represents the highest level of devotion, surrender and love meet.
— Franz Kafka
Explanation: “At your feet” is a symbol of reward and surrender used by Kafka. Therefore, the author implies that you don’t need to seek the world; truth and significance will finally find you, exposing themselves and providing marvel at your feet, if you embrace patience and silence.
