Sole Meaning

UK /səʊl/
US /soʊl/
Word Definition
sole meaning

Sole Definition & Usage

noun

The underside of a foot or shoe, typically made of leather, rubber, or other durable material.

Examples

  • "Her shoes had a smooth, worn sole from years of walking the same route."
  • "The sole of his boot was completely worn down after the hike through the mountains."
  • "She carefully wiped the soles of her feet before stepping on the rug."
  • "The sneaker had a rubber sole designed for maximum grip on wet surfaces."
  • "The cobbler replaced the soles of my shoes with high-quality leather."
noun

A type of flatfish, especially in the family Soleidae, valued for its mild, delicate flavor.

Examples

  • "We had grilled sole for dinner, served with a side of asparagus."
  • "The restaurant's specialty is lemon butter sole, and it never disappoints."
  • "Sole is often found in high-end seafood dishes due to its tender texture."
  • "A sole fillet, when cooked properly, is both flaky and juicy."
  • "They ordered sole meunière at the French bistro, enjoying the crispy golden exterior."
adjective

Being the only one of its kind or the only one in a particular situation.

Examples

  • "She was the sole survivor of the plane crash."
  • "He was the sole witness to the crime, which made his testimony invaluable."
  • "As the sole provider for his family, he worked tirelessly to make ends meet."
  • "The sole purpose of the meeting was to finalize the project details."
  • "The organization’s sole mission is to promote environmental sustainability."

Cultural Context

The word 'sole' has evolved from its Latin roots, where 'solus' means 'alone' or 'only'. Its use in reference to the bottom of shoes and feet dates back centuries, while its culinary meaning as a type of fish has been common in European cuisines, especially in Mediterranean countries.

The Sole Survivor

Story

The Sole Survivor

It had been a brutal storm, and the once-beautiful fishing boat was now reduced to a mangled heap of wood. As the sea calmed, Emma sat on the shore, staring at the wreckage. She was the sole survivor of the tragedy that had claimed the lives of her fellow crew members. Her legs were sore from treading water, but the adrenaline of survival kept her going. She had no time for despair; she needed to find shelter, food, and eventually a way back home. The day after the storm, Emma found a small shop by the dock, selling fresh fish. The shopkeeper, a wiry man with sunburned skin, greeted her with a warm smile. ‘You must try the sole,’ he said. ‘It’s caught fresh from the sea.’ Emma hadn’t eaten in hours, and the thought of something light and tender made her stomach growl. She sat down at one of the wooden tables, savoring the delicate fish and the warmth of the sunlight on her face. That night, under a blanket of stars, Emma reflected on her journey. She was the sole person left from the crew, and it weighed heavily on her heart. But she knew that being the only one left meant she had a responsibility to tell their story and ensure their legacy endured. As she walked back to her makeshift shelter, the meaning of ‘sole’ took on a new depth for her—both the sole survivor of the wreck and the lone woman navigating the challenges of the open sea. She felt as if the ocean itself had become her sole companion in this journey of survival and remembrance.

The Sole Survivor