heel
2 antonyms and opposites of heel, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The rounded back part of the foot, or the corresponding part of a shoe or sock.
Antonyms
How to use heel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English hēla, related to "hock." The "bad guy in wrestling" and "contemptible person" senses are much more recent American slang, likely from the idea of someone who is "low," like the bottom part of the foot.
Full origin of heel →Frequently asked questions
What does “heel” mean?
The word “heel” means the rounded back part of the foot, or the corresponding part of a shoe or sock. In plain terms, most often the back of your foot or shoe; also slang for a villain, and a dog-training command.
How do you pronounce “heel”?
“Heel” is pronounced heel (/hil/ in IPA).
How do you use “heel” in a sentence?
Here is “heel” used in a sentence: “Her new boots rubbed a blister on her heel.”
What is another word for “heel”?
Words with a similar meaning to “heel” include boot, butt, crust, ender, knob-end and outsider.
What is the opposite of “heel”?
The opposite of “heel” — its antonyms — are toe and babyface.
What part of speech is “heel”?
Depending on how it is used, “heel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “heel” come from?
The word “heel” comes from Old English. From Old English hēla, related to "hock." The "bad guy in wrestling" and "contemptible person" senses are much more recent American slang, likely from the idea of someone who is "low," like the bottom part of the foot.
Is “heel” a common word?
“Heel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a heel and a face in wrestling?
In professional wrestling, a heel is a performer who plays the villain role, while a face (from "babyface") is the hero the crowd is meant to support. The heel typically uses underhanded tactics and provokes the audience, driving the storyline conflict.
What does it mean to call someone a heel?
Calling someone a heel means describing them as a contemptible, dishonest, or unscrupulous person. The term is informal and carries a strong negative judgment about someone's character or behaviour.
What does it mean when a boat heels?
When a boat or ship heels, it tilts or leans over to one side, usually because of wind pressure on its sails or a turn. This is a normal part of sailing and is distinct from capsizing, which is a complete loss of control.
What does it mean to teach a dog to heel?
Teaching a dog to heel means training it to walk obediently close beside its owner, typically at the handler's side rather than pulling ahead or lagging behind. "Heel" is also used as a command to instruct the dog to take up this position.