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Heel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heel

[hiːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

shoe part

The rounded rear part of the human foot, below and behind the ankle.

Synonyms

foot, sole, talon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heel

Use when referring to the back part of the human foot or to describe the back part of a shoe. It can also refer to a contemptible person, often used negatively.

  • She twisted her heel when she stepped on the uneven ground.
  • The heel of his shoe was worn out.
  • I can't believe he betrayed us; he's such a heel.
sole

Refers to the underside of the foot or shoe. It can also mean the unique one of something when used in different contexts.

  • The sole of his shoe had a hole in it.
  • The fish had a tender sole, perfect for frying.
  • She was the sole survivor of the accident.
foot

Use when talking about the entire lower extremity of the leg below the ankle, especially in humans. This is a general term.

  • He stepped on a sharp object and hurt his foot.
  • They walked for miles until their feet were sore.
talon

Use to describe the claw of a bird of prey, typically hawks, eagles, or other raptors. It has a specific biological context.

  • The eagle gripped the fish tightly in its talons.
  • Raptors have powerful talons designed for hunting.

Examples of usage

  • She wore high heels to the party.
  • Her heel got sore from walking too much.
Context #2 | Noun

person's character

A person's ability to deal with problems or criticism.

Synonyms

fortitude, grit, resolve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heel

Generally refers to the back part of a foot or shoe. It can also metaphorically describe someone who is unpleasant or acts in a dishonorable manner, with a negative connotation.

  • She wore shoes with high heels.
  • Don't trust him; he's such a heel.
resolve

Refers to firm determination to achieve something or to make a decision and stick to it.

  • She showed great resolve in sticking to her diet.
  • He resolved to improve his skills no matter what.
fortitude

Used to describe strength of mind that enables a person to face challenges, danger, or adversity with courage.

  • She showed incredible fortitude during the crisis.
  • His fortitude helped him overcome many personal difficulties.
grit

Often describes perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It signifies toughness and the ability to continue despite obstacles.

  • Her grit and determination made her an excellent athlete.
  • It takes a lot of grit to start your own business.

Examples of usage

  • She showed great strength of heel in the face of adversity.
  • He has a strong heel and doesn't let others bring him down.
Context #3 | Verb

to tilt to one side

To lean or tilt to one side.

Synonyms

incline, lean, tilt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heel

In another context, can also refer to the back part of a foot or shoe, but it's different from the nautical term.

  • She felt a blister forming on her heel due to the new shoes.
lean

Can describe a person or object tilting or resting at an angle, often suggesting a slight or temporary tilt.

  • He had to lean against the wall to catch his breath.
tilt

Commonly used in a variety of contexts to describe something that is not level, such as an object or a camera angle.

  • She tilted her head to understand the puzzling picture better.
incline

Describes a surface that is tilted or sloped, often used in engineering, geography, or fitness.

  • The road has a gentle incline, making it easier for cyclists.

Examples of usage

  • The boat heeled over in the strong wind.
  • The tree heeled over after being struck by lightning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The heel bone, called the calcaneus, is the largest bone in the foot and helps support your body while walking.
  • Heel spurs, which are bony growths on the bottom of the heel, can cause pain but are often treated with rest and special shoes.
  • The heel absorbs the impact when your foot hits the ground, making it essential for walking and running.

Fashion

  • High-heeled shoes gained popularity in the 16th century, originally worn by men to symbolize status, and gradually became a women's fashion staple.
  • The modern high heel has many styles, each with its unique look and purpose, such as stilettos, block heels, and platforms.
  • Wearing heels can change the way you walk and stand, leading to both admiration for style and health advisories regarding comfort.

Language and Slang

  • The term 'to heel' means to follow closely, like a dog obeying orders, emphasizing the idea of being grounded or aligned.
  • Phrase 'at heel' describes someone who's closely following or attending to a person, relating back to the idea of stability and loyalty.
  • In sports terms, a 'heel turn' refers to a sudden change in a person's behavior, inspired by the swift pivoting action of the foot.

Cultural Significance

  • In the world of dog training, teaching a dog to 'heel' means to walk close to the handler, promoting discipline and teamwork.
  • The heel has been symbolically used in various cultures, representing stability (as in standing tall) and sometimes vanity (in high fashion).
  • Heels, specifically high heels, have been a topic of discussions around body image, femininity, and societal expectations throughout history.

Origin of 'heel'

The word 'heel' has a long history dating back to Old English, where it originally referred to the back of the foot. Over time, it has evolved to have various meanings, including the shoe part, a person's character, and the act of tilting to one side. The versatility of the word 'heel' makes it a common and essential term in the English language.

See also: heels.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,650 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.