Battle: meaning, definitions and examples
⚔️
battle
[ˈbætəl ]
Definitions
in a war
A battle is a fight between two or more armed forces, usually in the context of a war. It is a violent confrontation where soldiers or combatants engage in combat to achieve a specific objective. Battles can be decisive in determining the outcome of a war.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| battle |
A physical fight between large organized groups, often used in a military context or to describe intense, large-scale struggles.
|
| combat |
Refers specifically to fighting, especially between armed forces. Can be used both in military and non-military contexts to describe direct confrontation.
|
| conflict |
A broader term that encompasses disputes, disagreements, or battles. Can be used in personal, professional, or large-scale settings.
|
| engagement |
Often used in military contexts to describe specific encounters or fights between opposing forces. Can also mean agreements or appointments in non-combative contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The Battle of Normandy was a crucial turning point in World War II.
- The soldiers prepared for the upcoming battle.
in a competition
A battle can also refer to a fierce competition or struggle between two opposing sides. It can be used metaphorically to describe a competitive situation where each side is determined to win.
Synonyms
competition, contest, struggle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| battle |
Typically used to describe a physical or military confrontation between opposing forces, or a metaphorical fight involving significant effort and determination.
|
| competition |
Used to describe a structured event or environment where individuals or teams strive to outperform one another in a specific area or skill. It often involves rules and can be sports, academics, or business.
|
| struggle |
Used to describe a difficult or exhausting effort, often involving personal challenges or adverse circumstances. It usually has a negative connotation.
|
| contest |
Often refers to a more formal or organized competition, typically with prizes or awards for the winners. It's usually less intense than a 'battle'.
|
Examples of usage
- The tennis match turned into a fierce battle between the two players.
- The battle for the championship title was intense.
struggle
As a verb, 'battle' means to struggle or fight against someone or something. It implies a determined effort to overcome obstacles or challenges.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She battled against cancer for years before finally overcoming it.
- The team battled their way to the top of the league.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'battle' comes from the Old French word 'bataille', which means a fight or struggle.
- In ancient times, battles often determined the fate of kingdoms, with famous ones like the Battle of Hastings in 1066 shaping history.
- Battles were often marked by specific strategies and formations, evolving with advances in technology over the centuries.
Pop Culture
- The concept of 'battle' is prominent in video games, with genres like battle royale becoming extremely popular.
- Movies and books often dramatize battles, portraying them as heroic and critical moments in stories, such as the epic battles in 'The Lord of the Rings'.
- Famous events, like the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, are often referenced in films to depict courage and sacrifice.
Psychology
- Battles can symbolize inner conflicts; people may describe personal struggles as a 'battle' against their fears or insecurities.
- The metaphor of a battle is used in therapy to help individuals understand their challenges as something they can fight against.
- Research shows that people often react to stressful situations with a 'fight or flight' response, emphasizing the instinctual nature of battle.
Literature
- Many classic novels feature battles as central themes, like the conflict in 'A Tale of Two Cities', where revolutionary struggles are depicted.
- Poets have often captured the essence of battles, using imagery to convey valor and the tragic consequences of conflict.
- Epic poems, such as 'The Iliad', revolve around legendary battles, blending history with myth and cultural values.
Science
- In the natural world, competitions for resources can be seen as 'battles' between species, influencing evolution and survival.
- The term 'battle' is also applied in medicine, where patients may be said to 'battle' diseases like cancer, highlighting their struggle for health.
- In technology, the competitive landscape between companies is often described as a battle for market share, showcasing strategic maneuvers.
Translations
Translations of the word "battle" in other languages:
🇵🇹 batalha
🇮🇳 युद्ध
🇩🇪 Schlacht
🇮🇩 pertempuran
🇺🇦 битва
🇵🇱 bitwa
🇯🇵 戦い
🇫🇷 bataille
🇪🇸 batalla
🇹🇷 savaş
🇰🇷 전투
🇸🇦 معركة
🇨🇿 bitva
🇸🇰 bitka
🇨🇳 战斗
🇸🇮 bitka
🇮🇸 orrusta
🇰🇿 шайқас
🇬🇪 ბრძოლა
🇦🇿 döyüş
🇲🇽 batalla