Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Rope Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿชข
Add to dictionary

rope

[rษ™สŠp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

material

A length of strong cord made by twisting together strands of natural fibers such as hemp or synthetic fibers such as nylon.

Synonyms

cord, line, twine.

Examples of usage

  • He tied the boat to the dock with a sturdy rope.
  • The climbers used a thick rope to secure themselves as they climbed the mountain.
  • The rope snapped under the weight of the heavy load.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

A means of escape or assistance in a difficult situation.

Synonyms

lifeline, solution, way out.

Examples of usage

  • She felt like she was at the end of her rope, with no way out of her troubles.
  • The unexpected offer of help was like a lifeline, a rope thrown to a drowning person.
Context #3 | Verb

fasten with a rope

To tie, fasten, or secure with a rope.

Synonyms

bind, secure, tie.

Examples of usage

  • He roped the boxes together to make them easier to carry.
  • She roped her bike to the post to prevent it from being stolen.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Ropes have been used for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient Egyptians using them for building pyramids.
  • In ancient times, ropes were made from natural fibers like hemp and sisal, which were abundant in different regions.
  • The word 'rope' comes from the Old English word 'rฤp', which traces back to Germanic roots.

Science

  • The tensile strength of a rope is determined by the material and the way itโ€™s braided or twisted, influencing its ability to hold weight.
  • Some advanced ropes are made of synthetic materials like nylon and spectra, offering high durability and low stretch.
  • In physics, the concept of tension in ropes is crucial in understanding forces and motion, especially in climbing and engineering.

Pop Culture

  • Rope has appeared in various movies and shows, often symbolizing adventure or struggle, such as in the classic film 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'.
  • In many sports, such as rock climbing and sailing, the proper use of ropes can mean the difference between success and failure.
  • Thereโ€™s even a popular children's song called 'Jump Rope' that promotes physical activity and play.

Literature

  • In literature, ropes often symbolize connection or entrapment, appearing in stories to reflect characters' struggles or unity.
  • Rope imagery can be found in poems, where it often represents restraint or the ties that bind us to others.
  • Classic tales and folklore frequently use ropes as tools for adventure or rescue, underlining themes of bravery and teamwork.

Art and Craft

  • Rope is a popular material in crafts like macramรฉ, where it is intricately knotted to create decorative items.
  • Artists have used ropes in installations to explore themes of captivity, connection, and complexity in human relationships.
  • Many nautical artworks and designs incorporate ropes as a symbol of adventure and the sea, reflecting maritime culture.

Origin of 'rope'

The word 'rope' has its origins in the Old English word 'rรกp', which is related to Dutch 'reep' and German 'Reif'. Ropes have been used by humans for thousands of years for various purposes, such as hunting, sailing, and construction. The evolution of rope-making techniques led to the production of stronger and more versatile ropes, essential in maritime history and land-based activities. Today, ropes continue to be a fundamental tool in many industries and recreational pursuits.

See also: ropes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,757, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.