footing

/ˈfʊdɪŋ/

/ˈfʊtɪŋ/

Other forms: footings

Your footing is a supportive place to put your feet when you climb or balance. Once you find your footing at the top of a mountain, you can look around and enjoy the view.

Your literal footing is what keeps you sturdy, and if you lose that footing, you stumble. Figuratively, your footing is your status or position, especially when compared to other people. So if every student in your class is on an equal footing, it means your teacher gives them all the same amount of attention and treats them fairly.

Definitions of footing

1. noun

   a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing
   synonyms: foothold

   types:

   toehold

   a small foothold used in climbing

   type of:

   support

   any device that bears the weight of another thing
2. noun

   a relation that provides the foundation for something
   “they were on a friendly footing”

   synonyms: basis, ground

   types:

   common ground

   a basis agreed to by all parties for reaching a mutual understanding

   type of:

   foundation

   the basis on which something is grounded
3. noun

   status with respect to the relations between people or groups
   “on a friendly footing”

   synonyms: terms

   type of:

   position, status

   the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society