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sole¹ Definition

sole (sōl)

noun

  1. the bottom surface of the foot
  2. the part of a shoe, boot, sock, etc. corresponding to this
  3. the bottom surface of any of several objects, as a golf club

Etymology: OFr < VL *sola, for L solea, sandal, sole, kind of fish < solum, sole, base, ground, bottom

transitive verb soled, sol′·ing

to furnish (a shoe, etc.) with a sole

sole² Definition

sole (sōl)

adjective

    1. without another or others; single; one and only
    2. acting, working, etc. alone without help
  2. of or having to do with only one (specified) person or group
  3. given or belonging to no other; not shared or divided; exclusive the sole rights to a patent
  4. Archaic alone; solitary
  5. Law unmarried

Etymology: ME < OE sol < L solus, alone < ? IE *sōlo- < base *se-, *s(e)wo-, apart > L suus, one's own

sole³ Definition

sole (sōl)

noun pl. sole or soles

any of various flatfishes (esp. family Soleidae) usually highly valued as food

Etymology: OFr < VL *sola, for L solea (see sole): so named from its shape

sole Synonyms

sole

modif.

only one, no more than one, remaining; see individual 1, single 1.

sole Synonyms

sole

n.

planta, tread, ball; see bottom 1, foot 2.

sole Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • foot: You should fall to the ground with the soles of both feet off the ground whilst your torso touches the ground.
  • shoe: The sole of the right trainer shoe worn by Justin Plummer had a tiny part of the famous Nike swoosh was missing.
  • boot: Hybrid boots combine the flexible, soft upper part of soft boots with the sturdy hard soles of hard boots.

Object

  • shoe: All you need are flat soled shoes to wear on court.
  • boot: Footwear should consist of a pair of stout rubber soled boots or jogging type training shoes/boots.

Adjective modifier

  • non-marking: These cool Bratz Trainers come in sizes 8 - 3 and have a velcro strap and a non-marking rubber sole.
  • lemon: The cooked fish menu includes cod, plaice, haddock, lemon sole, sea bass - all grilled and with chips.
  • thick: Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels.
  • inner: Some people have found Sorbothane inner soles to be very helpful.
  • outer: The way you walk leaves tell-tale signs on the inner and outer sole.

Modifies a noun

  • discretion: Entries may be rejected in the sole discretion of the judges.
  • trader: A sole trader is exactly what the name suggests: someone who trades on his own account.
  • proprietorship: In contrast, with a sole proprietorship or partnership, the owners can lose personal assets in a business lawsuit.
  • proprietor: Yes, I Agree No, I Disagree Part 1 About the business Name: Sole proprietors.
  • survivor: Richard is now the sole legitimate survivor of the House of York.
  • purpose: The sole purpose of the Company is to deliver a level of service which is beyond reproach.

Noun used with modifier

  • non-slip: Appropriate footwear is essential, preferably walking boots or other footwear with good non-slip soles.
  • rubber: Ankle high trainer with pink canvas upper and rubber sole and toe.
  • leather: Castor oil is also useful for waterproofing the underneath of leather soles.
  • shoe: Biomechanical abrasion test New test that reproduces the abrasive action of wear on a shoe sole in hours.
sole Quotes

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot.

—Bible (Old Testament)

Tout le malheur des hommes vient d'une seule chose, qui est de ne savoir pas demeurer en repos, dans une chambre. The sole cause of man's unhappiness is that he does not know how to stay quietly in his room.

—Pascal, Blaise

The sole evidence it is possible to produce that anything is desirable, is that people do actually desire it.

—Mill,John Stuart