Ropes: meaning, definitions and examples

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ropes

 

[ roʊps ]

Noun / Verb
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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Translations of the word "ropes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cordas

🇮🇳 रस्सियाँ

🇩🇪 Seile

🇮🇩 tali

🇺🇦 мотузки

🇵🇱 lina

🇯🇵 ロープ

🇫🇷 cordes

🇪🇸 cuerdas

🇹🇷 halatlar

🇰🇷 밧줄

🇸🇦 حبال

🇨🇿 lana

🇸🇰 laná

🇨🇳 绳子

🇸🇮 vrvi

🇮🇸 reipi

🇰🇿 арқан

🇬🇪 თოკები

🇦🇿 kəndir

🇲🇽 cuerdas

Etymology

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.