Definition of sole

The word "sole" has a rich history! The term "sole" comes from the Latin word "sola," meaning "foot" or "heel." In the 14th century, the word "sole" was borrowed into Middle English from Old French "sole," which was derived from the Latin "sola." Initially, the word "sole" referred to the heel or hind part of the foot, particularly in the context of shoemaking. Over time, the meaning of "sole" expanded to include the bottom or underside of something, such as the sole of a shoe or the sole of the earth. Today, the word "sole" is used in various contexts, including cuisine (e.g., sole fish), psychology (e.g., sole responsibility), and even tennis (e.g., serve into the sole of the opponent's court)!