Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Ropes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚓
Add to dictionary

ropes

[roʊps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on a ship

Ropes are thick cords or strands of fibrous material, typically used for fastening, securing, or lifting objects on a ship.

Synonyms

cords, hawsers, lines.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ropes

Used generally for thick, strong strands made of fibers or wires. They are versatile and can be used in various situations, including climbing, boating, or construction.

  • The climber secured himself with sturdy ropes.
  • We need ropes to tie down the cargo.
cords

More commonly refers to thinner, flexible strands made of fibers, often used for tying smaller objects, making crafts, or for decorative purposes.

  • She used colorful cords to make friendship bracelets.
  • You can use cords to tie up the packages.
lines

Often employed in nautical settings to denote ropes used on a boat or ship. Lines can have specific functions like anchor lines or fishing lines.

  • He's responsible for managing the lines on the sailboat.
  • Make sure all the lines are coiled properly.
hawsers

Specifically used in maritime contexts to describe very thick ropes or cables used to moor or tow ships.

  • The sailors secured the ship with strong hawsers.
  • We need to replace the worn hawsers before the next trip.

Examples of usage

  • The sailors quickly adjusted the ropes to secure the sails.
  • She tied the ropes tightly around the cargo to prevent it from shifting.
Context #2 | Noun

in a sport or activity

In a sport or activity, ropes are often used for climbing, swinging, or as a safety measure.

Synonyms

cords, lines, tethers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ropes

Often used to refer to thick, strong, and flexible strands made of fibers or wires and used for various purposes, including climbing, pulling, or securing things.

  • The climbers used ropes to secure themselves to the mountainside.
  • The sailors coiled the ropes after docking the boat.
cords

Usually refers to thinner and more flexible strands, often used for purposes like tying or binding lighter objects.

  • She used cords to tie the boxes together.
  • The blinds were pulled up using a set of cords.
lines

Typically refers to thinner, often straight, strands used in fishing, sailing, and various technical contexts. It can also refer to guidelines or boundaries.

  • The fisherman cast his line into the water.
  • The sailor adjusted the lines to catch the wind.
tethers

Used to describe ropes, cords, or similar devices used to tie an animal or object to a fixed point to restrict its movement.

  • The dog was kept from running away with a strong tether.
  • They used a tether to keep the balloon from floating away.

Examples of usage

  • The climbers secured themselves with ropes as they ascended the rock face.
  • The gymnast gracefully swung from the ropes during her routine.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To ropes someone is to deceive or trick them in a clever or humorous way.

Synonyms

bamboozle, deceive, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ropes

Used to bind, secure, or fasten objects together. This is the literal physical context of the word.

  • They used ropes to climb the mountain.
  • The ship was tied to the dock with thick ropes.
trick

Describes an action or a scheme intended to deceive or mislead someone. It can be used in both playful and serious contexts.

  • The magician performed a card trick that left everyone in awe.
  • He played a trick on his friend by hiding his phone.
deceive

Used in more serious contexts to describe intentionally causing someone to believe something that is not true. It carries a negative connotation and often implies dishonesty or betrayal.

  • He deceived his friend by withholding important information.
  • She was deceived by the promise of quick riches and lost all her savings.
bamboozle

Often used in casual or humorous contexts to describe tricking or fooling someone in a clever or confusing way.

  • He managed to bamboozle everyone with his magic tricks.
  • The salesman bamboozled her into buying a vacuum cleaner she didn't need.

Examples of usage

  • She roped him into believing her outrageous story.
  • He's known for roping his friends with elaborate pranks.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Ropes date back to ancient times, with evidence of their use found in artifacts from Egyptian tombs.
  • The word 'rope' comes from the Old English 'rapa,' which means a long, flexible cord.
  • Different materials, like hemp and cotton, have been used to make ropes throughout history, depending on what was available.

Science

  • Ropes are based on the science of tension and load, which help them carry heavy weights without breaking.
  • The twisting of fibers in rope increases its strength, which is why many ropes are made of multiple strands.
  • Scientists study how materials behave under stress to create stronger and more durable ropes for climbing and rescue operations.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, ropes symbolize connection and community, often seen in rituals and gatherings.
  • Certain knots in ropes hold special meanings in various cultures, like the sailor's knot signifying unity on a ship.
  • Rope-making has evolved into an art form in some traditions, creating intricate designs that are both functional and beautiful.

Pop Culture

  • Ropes often appear in movies like 'The Pirates of the Caribbean,' symbolizing adventure and danger.
  • In popular games like 'Loom,' ropes and knots are important elements for solving puzzles.
  • The phrase 'pulling strings' used in entertainment refers to manipulation, highlighting how ropes can symbolize control.

Literature

  • Ropes frequently symbolize struggles and bonds between characters in literature, like in slavery narratives.
  • In the novel 'The Old Man and the Sea,' ropes represent the connection between the fisherman and the sea.
  • Many poems and stories use ropes as metaphors for life's ties and the challenges one must navigate.

Origin of 'ropes'

The word 'ropes' originated from Old English 'rāp', which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic 'raipaz'. Ropes have been essential tools for human civilization for thousands of years, used in various activities ranging from sailing and construction to sports and entertainment.

See also: rope.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,406 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.