Meaning & use
footings
Last updated
“footings” is a form of “footing”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounpluraltechnical
the strong base parts of a building or structure that spread its weight into the ground
Grammar: Plural noun; the singular is 'footing'. Usually used with 'the' or 'concrete': the footings, concrete footings.
Patterns
- concrete footings
- pour the footings
- the footings of a building
The workers poured the concrete footings before building the walls.
Inspectors checked the footings to make sure the house was stable.
Deep footings are needed on soft ground.
nounsingularfigurative
a position or basis on which people or things are compared or treated
Grammar: Used in fixed phrases like 'on an equal footing' or 'on a firm footing'.
Patterns
- on an equal footing
- on a firm footing
- on the same footing
The two companies compete on an equal footing.
After the talks, relations were put on a firmer footing.
Small businesses want to be on the same footing as large ones.
Word forms
| singular | footing |
|---|
Common combinations
- concrete footings
- The concrete footings must dry before the frame goes up.
- pour the footings
- They will pour the footings next week.
- on an equal footing
- All employees should be on an equal footing when applying for training.
- on a firm footing
- The business is now on a firm footing.
Synonyms and how they differ
- foundation
- A more general word for the base of a building; 'footings' are the specific wide base pieces that touch the ground.
- base
- A general word for the bottom part; 'footings' is the technical term in construction.
Word family
- footing noun
- Singular form; one base part or the figurative position.
Commonly confused: footings or footing?
footings vs footing
'Footing' is singular and can also mean a safe grip for your feet, as in 'She lost her footing.' 'Footings' is plural and usually means building bases.
Practice
Before they built the walls, the crew poured the ___ to support the house.
Choose one answer.
In construction, 'footings' is the plural noun for the base parts that support a building. 'Footing' is singular and would need 'a' or 'the' before it, and it more often refers to a safe grip or a basis.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “footings”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.