Sole: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to the bottom part of a shoe or foot.

• The sole of my shoe is worn out.
• He sprained the sole of his foot while running.

Use when referring to the lowest part of something, including objects, locations, and even levels or rankings.

• The keys are at the bottom of the drawer.
• He felt like he had hit the bottom of his career.

Use when talking about the lower or hidden surface of an object.

• There was chewing gum stuck to the underside of the desk.
• The cat likes to sleep on the underside of the bed.

Use when talking about the bottom part of a physical structure or the main ingredient in a recipe.

• The base of the statue was made of marble.
• The base of the soup is chicken broth.

Used to emphasize that something is the only one; often used in formal or legal contexts.

• He is the sole survivor of the accident.
• She has the sole responsibility for the project.

Emphasizes that there is only one of something, without any others; can be used in a variety of general situations.

• She bought a single ticket for the movie.
• He didn't make a single mistake.

Usually refers to something that is not shared with others; often used with high-end, luxury, or members-only contexts.

• They belong to an exclusive club.
• The hotel offers exclusive services for VIP guests.

Focuses on being separate or distinct from others; often referenced in contexts involving personal characteristics or discrete units.

• Each student will receive individual attention.
• Please address each individual issue.

Use 'sole' when describing something that is the only one of its kind or when emphasizing the exclusivity of one person or thing in a context. It is often used in legal or formal situations.

• He was the sole survivor of the accident.
• She is the sole breadwinner in the family.

Use 'only' to indicate that there is no one or nothing else except the person or thing mentioned. It is the most general and commonly used among these options.

• She is the only person I trust.
• This is the only option available.

Use 'unique' to describe something that is one of a kind or very special in some way. It often highlights the rare or unusual quality of something or someone.

• Each snowflake is unique.
• He has a unique sense of style.

Use 'exclusive' when mentioning something that is limited to a particular group or person and not shared with others. It often implies privilege or rare access.

• This club is for members only, and it's very exclusive.
• They have signed an exclusive contract with that company.