footpace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicTechnical (Architecture, Horology), Historical, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “footpace” mean?
A step, a pace taken by the foot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A step, a pace taken by the foot; a short distance; also, a dais or raised step in a church.
Historically, a unit of length based on the length of a human foot; in architecture, the base or step of an altar or throne; in clockmaking, the regulator pendulum's length.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British contexts due to the preservation of architectural and horological terminology.
Connotations
Historical, technical, precise.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Not part of active vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “footpace” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the footpace (e.g., ascend, mount, approach)[Preposition] + footpace (e.g., upon the footpace, at the footpace)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in historical or architectural studies discussing church layout or antique timepieces.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in ecclesiastical architecture for the altar step; in horology for pendulum measurement.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “footpace”
- Using it to mean 'footpath' or 'walking speed'. Confusing it with 'footprint'. Treating it as a modern, common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or highly technical.
Its primary modern use is as a precise architectural term for the step or platform upon which an altar or similar focal point is placed, especially in churches.
No. While 'pace' can mean speed, the compound 'footpace' historically referred to the length of a single step as a unit of measurement, not the rate of movement.
In ecclesiastical contexts, 'predella' is a close synonym, though it can also refer to the shelf or step behind the altar.
A step, a pace taken by the foot.
Footpace is usually technical (architecture, horology), historical, ecclesiastical in register.
Footpace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfʊtpeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfʊtˌpeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not within a footpace of it (archaic: not even close).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a priest's FOOT taking a PACE onto the raised step before the altar.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASURE IS A FOOTSTEP (archaic unit of length); AUTHORITY/REVERENCE IS BEING RAISED (the altar footpace elevates the priest).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'footpace' today?