Foot

Definition

Foot is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the lower extremity of the leg in humans and some animals, used for standing and walking. It also denotes a unit of measurement equal to 12 inches. As a verb, it means to cover a distance on foot or to pay for something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fʊt/
• Respelling: FUHT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fʊt/
• Respelling: FUHT

Etymology

The word "foot" originates from the Old English "fōt," which is derived from Proto-Germanic "*fōtuz" and Proto-Indo-European "*ped-," meaning "foot." It has been used in various contexts throughout history, retaining its meanings related to locomotion and measurement.

Derivatives

• Feet (plural noun)
• Footage (noun)
• Footstep (noun)
• Footprint (noun)
• Footing (noun)

Synonyms

• Paw (context-specific)
• Step
• Base

Antonyms

• Head (opposite end)
• Top
• None

Usage

The noun "foot" is used to describe the anatomical structure, as in "He injured his left foot while hiking." It also refers to measurement, such as "The room is 10 feet wide." The verb form includes expressions like "She footed the bill for dinner."

Related Terms

• Leg: The limb to which the foot is attached.
• Pace: A single step or stride.
• Inch: A unit of length that is 1/12 of a foot.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The lower extremity of the leg used for standing and walking: Refers to the anatomical structure.
  • Example: "She placed her injured foot on a stool."
• A unit of measurement equal to 12 inches: Used to describe length or height.
  • Example: "The bridge is 100 feet long."
• The base or bottom part of something: Refers to the lowest part of an object.
  • Example: "The foot of the mountain was covered in snow."

Verb

• To walk or travel on foot: Refers to covering a distance by walking.
  • Example: "We decided to foot it to the nearest village."
• To pay for something, especially a bill: Indicates taking responsibility for expenses.
  • Example: "She footed the cost of the repairs."