footstool: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequencyFormal / Literary (for figurative use); Informal / Everyday (for literal object).
Quick answer
What does “footstool” mean?
A low stool or support for resting one's feet on when sitting, typically placed in front of a chair or sofa.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A low stool or support for resting one's feet on when sitting, typically placed in front of a chair or sofa.
A person or thing that is treated with contempt or used as a base for something else; a subordinate or something of little importance, often in a figurative sense (e.g., "make someone your footstool").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The object is universally recognized and the word is used identically. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, the literal meaning is neutral. The figurative meaning carries a strong connotation of humiliation or utter defeat.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. More likely to be encountered in older literature, religious texts, or formal rhetoric than in daily conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “footstool” in a Sentence
[subject] + placed/used + footstool[subject] + rested + [possessive] feet + on + [determiner] + footstool[determiner] + footstool + for + [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “footstool” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To footstool is not a standard verb.
American English
- To footstool is not a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Footstool-sized (e.g., a footstool-sized ottoman).
American English
- Footstool-height (e.g., a footstool-height table).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except perhaps in the context of furniture manufacturing or retail.
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical, theological, or literary studies discussing metaphors of power and subjugation (e.g., "the imagery of enemies as a footstool").
Everyday
Used literally when discussing furniture, interior design, or comfort aids for seating.
Technical
Used in furniture design, ergonomics, and occupational therapy related to seating posture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “footstool”
- Spelling as two words ('foot stool') or hyphenated ('foot-stool'); the standard is one word. Using the figurative sense in modern casual conversation, which would sound odd or overly dramatic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A footstool is a general term for a low stool for feet. A hassock is typically a thick, padded cushion used as a footstool or for kneeling. An ottoman is usually larger, often upholstered, and can function as a footstool, extra seating, or a coffee table.
As a term for the furniture item, it is understood but not extremely common in everyday conversation (terms like 'footrest' or 'ottoman' might be used as often). Its figurative use is rare and belongs to formal or historical registers.
No, 'footstool' is solely a noun in standard modern English. There is no conventional verb form.
The metaphor 'to make someone your footstool' originates from ancient Near Eastern and Biblical imagery symbolizing total domination. This specific linguistic metaphor has fallen out of common modern usage, though the concept persists in phrases like 'to walk all over someone'.
A low stool or support for resting one's feet on when sitting, typically placed in front of a chair or sofa.
Footstool is usually formal / literary (for figurative use); informal / everyday (for literal object). in register.
Footstool: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfʊtstuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfʊtˌstuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a footstool of someone/something (figurative, archaic)”
- “under someone's footstool (figurative, biblical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STOOL for your FOOT. It's a simple compound word: FOOT + STOOL.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL/SUPERIORITY IS HAVING AN OPPONENT UNDER ONE'S FOOT (e.g., 'He made his rivals his footstool').
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'footstool' most likely to be used figuratively?