Heels: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ 
Add to dictionary

heels

 

[hiหlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

shoes

High-heeled shoes, typically worn by women, with a heel that is raised significantly higher than the toe.

Synonyms

high heels, pumps, stiletto heels.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
heels

General term for womenโ€™s shoes with a raised heel, applicable to casual or formal settings. It refers to various types of high-heeled footwear.

  • She prefers to wear heels to work
  • I just bought a new pair of black heels
high heels

Specifically refers to shoes with a significantly elevated heel, often used in more formal or glamorous settings like parties, business meetings, or special events.

  • She wore high heels to the gala
  • High heels can make any outfit look elegant
stiletto heels

Describes shoes with very high, narrow heels. Usually worn for special occasions where a dramatic, stylish look is desired. These can be uncomfortable for extended wear.

  • Her stiletto heels made a statement at the party
  • The actress walked gracefully in her stiletto heels at the award ceremony
pumps

Refers to a specific type of closed-toe, usually low-cut front, high-heeled shoe. These are often used in professional settings or formal events and are considered classic and versatile.

  • The office dress code requires women to wear pumps
  • She bought a pair of nude pumps for the wedding

Examples of usage

  • She loved to wear heels with her dresses.
  • The actress tripped on her heels while walking on the red carpet.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A heel is a person who is in a losing position in a competition or race.

Synonyms

loser, trailer, underdog.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
heels

In wrestling, 'Heels' are characters who are portrayed as villains or antagonists.

  • The crowd booed loudly as the heels made their entrance.
  • He's been playing the role of a heel ever since he joined the wrestling league.
trailer

This term is primarily used to describe a vehicle that is towed by another vehicle or a short preview of a movie or TV show.

  • We loaded all our camping gear into the trailer before setting off on our trip.
  • Have you seen the new trailer for that upcoming action movie?
loser

This word is often used to describe someone who has lost a competition or failed at something, and it can carry a negative connotation.

  • Everyone thought he was a loser after he failed the exam.
  • She felt like a loser for not getting the promotion.
underdog

This word is used to refer to a person or team that is expected to lose in a competition but is often cheered for their determination and grit.

  • Despite being the underdog, they managed to win the championship.
  • Everyone loves a good underdog story.

Examples of usage

  • The team was trailing by three goals, making them the heels in the match.
  • He started as the underdog but ended up as the heel in the championship.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • High-heeled footwear originated in 15th-century Persia, where they were worn by both men and women for riding.
  • In the 17th century, heels became popular in Europe among aristocrats, symbolizing wealth and status.

Fashion

  • Stilettos, introduced in the 1950s, feature a thin high heel and are often associated with elegance and glamour.
  • Heels can boost height, alter posture, and create a more elongated leg appearance, making them popular in formal fashion.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, wearing heels is linked to femininity and empowerment, but they can also require a level of skill to walk in.
  • Certain styles are tied to specific events; for instance, stilettos are commonly worn at parties and flaunt style.

Health

  • Wearing heels can affect balance and body posture, sometimes leading to discomfort or pain if worn for long periods.
  • Research suggests that regular high heel use may contribute to certain foot ailments and changes in walking patterns.

Literature and Media

  • Heels are often featured in stories and films, symbolizing transformation, confidence, or even mystery, like in fairytales.
  • In popular culture, shoes with heels appear in iconic moments, elevating characters' presence or impact dramatically.

Translations

Translations of the word "heels" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น saltos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเคกเคผเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Absรคtze

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tumit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดะฑะพั€ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ obcasy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ’ใƒผใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท talons

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tacones

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท topuklar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ตฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุนูˆุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ podpatky

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ opรคtky

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ซ˜่ทŸ้ž‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ peti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hรฆlur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉะบัˆะตะปะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒฃแƒกแƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dabanlar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tacones

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,396 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.