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Beaten Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beaten

[ˈbiː.tən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a physical sense

Defeated (someone) in a game, competition, or other test of skill.

Synonyms

defeat, overcome, win against.

Examples of usage

  • He was beaten by a more experienced player.
  • She finally beat her rival in the tennis match.
Context #2 | Verb

in a non-physical sense

Force (someone) to retreat or withdraw.

Synonyms

repel, retreat, withdraw.

Examples of usage

  • The army was beaten back by the enemy forces.
  • The protesters were beaten by the police and forced to disperse.
Context #3 | Noun

in a physical sense

A physical blow or attack.

Synonyms

blow, punch, strike.

Examples of usage

  • He received a severe beating in the fight.
  • The victim sustained multiple beatings by the assailant.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In competitive sports, to be 'beaten' means a team or player loses to another, often leading to discussions about improvement strategies.
  • In boxing, when a fighter is 'beaten', it can signify a KO (knockout) or decision loss, which involves intense training and resilience.

Literature

  • The word 'beaten' is frequently used in poetry and literature to depict struggles or challenges faced by characters, symbolizing defeat or hardship.
  • In some famous works, authors use 'beaten' to explore themes of perseverance, showcasing characters who rise after being 'beaten'.

Cultural Context

  • In various cultures, to discuss being 'beaten' can touch on themes of endurance, resilience, and the spirit of overcoming adversity.
  • Songs and literature often use 'beaten' metaphorically to describe life's challenges, framing the struggles people face everyday.

Psychology

  • Being 'beaten' can lead to feelings of defeat or low self-esteem, influencing mental health and personal growth.
  • Conversely, overcoming being 'beaten' can be a significant motivator, leading to improved self-confidence and resilience.

Origin of 'beaten'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'beatan', which means 'to strike or to hit'.
  • The past participle 'beaten' illustrates an action that has already happened, making it a common term in both past tense and passive voice.

The word 'beaten' originated from Middle English beten, past participle of bete, which means 'to beat'. The term has been used in English since the 12th century, evolving over time to its current form and usage. Originally associated with physical actions, 'beaten' now also encompasses metaphorical and non-physical contexts.

See also: backbeat, beat, beatable, beater, beating, downbeat, offbeat, unbeatability, unbeatable, upbeat.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,890 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.