Rafter

Pronunciation: /ˈræftər/

Definitions of rafter

noun A sloping beam that supports a pitched roof

Example Sentences

A1 The rafter held up the roof of the house.

A2 The carpenter measured and cut the rafters for the new building.

B1 The rafter cracked under the weight of heavy snow.

B2 The architect designed a unique rafter system to support the large skylight.

C1 The historic barn had beautifully crafted wooden rafters.

C2 The engineer calculated the load-bearing capacity of the steel rafters in the industrial warehouse.

Examples of rafter in a Sentence

formal The carpenters carefully measured and cut each rafter to ensure a precise fit in the roof structure.

informal I almost tripped over a loose rafter in the attic while looking for the holiday decorations.

slang I can't believe how strong those rafters are holding up the roof!

figurative The rafter of support from his friends helped him get through a difficult time in his life.

Grammatical Forms of rafter

• past tense: rafted
• plural: rafters
• comparative: more rafter
• superlative: most rafter
• present tense: raft
• future tense: will rafter
• perfect tense: have rafted
• continuous tense: is rafting
• singular: rafter
• positive degree: rafter
• infinitive: to rafter
• gerund: rafting
• participle: rafting

Origin and Evolution of rafter

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English and Old Norse

Story behind the word: The word 'rafter' originated from the Old English word 'raftr' or 'rafter', which is derived from the Old Norse word 'rafter' meaning 'beam'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'rafter' has retained its original meaning of a structural beam used in building construction. However, its usage has expanded to refer to the parallel beams that support a roof, rather than just any beam within a structure.