Rope
/roʊp/
Definitions
3 meaningsA thick cord made by twisting together strands of material, used for various purposes.
/roʊp/
A strong cord of twisted strands of material.
They used a rope to tie the boat to the pier.
💡 Simply: A rope is like a really strong string. Imagine using it to pull a heavy box or swing on a tire! It’s made by twisting lots of smaller strings together.
👶 For kids: A rope is like a really long, strong string that you can use for lots of things!
More Examples
The climber relied on a rope to ascend the mountain.
The package was secured with a length of rope.
How It's Used
"The sailors used a thick rope to secure the ship to the dock."
"Hikers used rope to ascend a steep cliff."
"The boxer entered the ring, the ropes enclosing the space."
To tie or fasten something with a rope; to enclose or secure with a rope.
/roʊp/
To tie or fasten with a rope.
The cowboys skillfully roped the calf.
💡 Simply: Roping something means using a rope to tie it up or keep it in a certain area. Like when you rope off a playground so kids can play safely.
👶 For kids: Roping is when you use a rope to tie something up!
More Examples
The police roped off the crime scene.
He roped the horses to the fence post.
How It's Used
"The cowboys roped the cattle."
"The workers roped off the construction site."
To persuade or trick someone into doing something they might not otherwise do.
/roʊp/
To control or restrain something.
She was roped into organizing the party.
💡 Simply: Rope someone into something means you convince them to do something, even if they're not so sure about it. It's like when your friend ropes you into trying a scary roller coaster ride!
👶 For kids: Roping someone in means getting them to do something even if they don't really want to!
More Examples
He felt roped into the argument.
They were successfully roped in to the fundraising efforts
How It's Used
"He was roped into helping with the project."
"They roped her in to participate, even though she didn't want to."
Synonyms
Cable
Cord
Line
Bind
Lasso
Convince
Entice
Persuade
Idioms & expressions
know the ropes
To be familiar with the details of a job, business, or activity.
"After working here for a year, she finally knows the ropes."
the end of one's rope
To have reached the limit of one's patience or resources.
"I'm at the end of my rope with these constant complaints."
a tight rope
A difficult or precarious situation that requires careful management.
"The politician had to walk a tight rope between the different factions of his party."
From Old English *rāp*, *rāp-*, Proto-Germanic *hraipaz* 'rope, cord'. Related to Dutch *reep*, German *Reif* (hoop), and possibly Greek *rhaptō* (to sew).
Rope has been used for thousands of years, from the earliest civilizations for securing objects, building structures, and transportation, and for maritime activities.
Memory tip
Think of the strength and flexibility needed to climb a rope – it holds things together.