Definition

A rope that is attached to the bottom edge of a sail, used by sailors to stand on while working with the sail.

Example

The crew members balanced carefully on the footrope as they adjusted the sails.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about the footrope on a sailboat?

Yeah, it’s that rope where sailors stand to manage the sails, right?

Exactly! It's crucial for balancing when they’re furling the sail.

I can imagine it must be pretty important during rough weather.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Footrope → It is formed from "foot" (from Old English "fōt", meaning the lower extremity of the leg) and "rope" (from Old French "rope", meaning a strong, thick line). The word "footrope" refers to a rope that is attached to the foot of a sail or a similar structure, used for support or control.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'foot' as the part that supports you and 'rope' as something that holds or ties things together. This helps you remember that a footrope is a rope that provides support at the foot of a sail.

Visually Confused Words