Ballgame: meaning, definitions and examples
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ballgame
[ ˈbɔːlɡeɪm ]
sports
A game played with a ball, typically involving two teams competing against each other to score points by getting the ball into the opponent's goal or by hitting the ball with a bat.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ballgame |
Used to refer specifically to a game of baseball. Commonly used in conversations about baseball or when attending a baseball event.
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| sport |
Refers to a physical activity or game involving skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. It's used to discuss general categories of physical activities.
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| match |
Commonly used in the context of sports, especially when referring to games like soccer, tennis, and cricket. It indicates an organized contest between two parties.
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| competition |
Used in general contexts to refer to any event or situation where individuals or teams compete against one another. It can be used in sports, academics, business, and other fields.
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Examples of usage
- The baseball game was intense, with the home team winning by a narrow margin.
- She enjoys watching basketball games with her friends on weekends.
- Playing soccer is his favorite ballgame to stay active and fit.
informal
An event or situation that is exciting, challenging, or full of action.
Synonyms
adventure, challenge, experience.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ballgame |
Used when talking about organized sports with rules and teams, like baseball or football. It can also mean a situation that is different or more complicated than what came before.
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| challenge |
Used when talking about something that tests someone's abilities or requires effort to overcome. Often carries a sense of difficulty but also opportunity for growth.
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| experience |
Used to describe knowledge or skill that comes from direct participation or personal involvement in events over time. Can refer to both positive and negative events.
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| adventure |
Applied when referring to an exciting or unusual experience, often involving risk or uncertainty. It can also describe going on interesting trips or activities.
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Examples of usage
- The political campaign turned into a real ballgame with unexpected twists and turns.
- Starting a new business is a whole new ballgame that requires dedication and hard work.
Translations
Translations of the word "ballgame" in other languages:
🇵🇹 jogo de bola
🇮🇳 गेंद का खेल (gend ka khel)
🇩🇪 Ballspiel
🇮🇩 permainan bola
🇺🇦 гра з м'ячем
🇵🇱 gra w piłkę
🇯🇵 ボールゲーム (bōrugēmu)
🇫🇷 jeu de balle
🇪🇸 juego de pelota
🇹🇷 top oyunu
🇰🇷 볼 게임 (bol geim)
🇸🇦 لعبة الكرة (lu'bat alkurah)
🇨🇿 hra s míčem
🇸🇰 hra s loptou
🇨🇳 球类游戏 (qiú lèi yóuxì)
🇸🇮 igra z žogo
🇮🇸 boltaleikur
🇰🇿 доп ойыны (dop oyyny)
🇬🇪 ბურთის თამაში (burtis tamashi)
🇦🇿 top oyunu
🇲🇽 juego de pelota
Etymology
The term 'ballgame' originated in the mid-19th century in reference to sports involving a ball. Over time, it evolved to also describe any exciting or challenging situation. The word combines 'ball,' referring to the spherical object used in various sports, and 'game,' denoting a form of play or competition. Today, 'ballgame' is commonly used in both sports contexts and informal settings to convey the idea of competition, excitement, or challenge.
See also: ball, ballad, ballet, ballot, ballpark, ballroom, balls.