Bench Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bench
[bɛn(t)ʃ ]
Definitions
furniture
A long seat for several people, typically made of wood or metal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bench |
In courtrooms or judicial settings, referring to the judge's seat or the judge themselves.
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| seat |
General term for any place to sit, whether a chair, bench, or other types of seating furniture.
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| pew |
Long bench, typically made of wood, found in churches or places of worship and meant for seating multiple people during services.
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| settee |
A type of upholstered seat, similar to a small sofa, often found in living rooms or lounges. It typically seats two or three people.
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Examples of usage
- She sat on the bench in the park and enjoyed the sunshine.
- The players on the bench cheered for their teammates on the field.
sports
The seats for the coaches and reserve players of a sports team.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bench |
Seating area for players and coaches during a sports game, where non-playing players wait.
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| reserve |
Backup players in a team who are not starting the game but may be called to play if needed.
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| sideline |
Area along the perimeter of the playing field, often where players and coaches are during the game. It may have a connotation of being inactive or not directly involved.
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Examples of usage
- The coach called a timeout and talked to the players on the bench.
- He was on the bench for the entire game.
legal
To remove someone from a game or activity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bench |
Used in the context of sports when a player is removed from the playing field and put on the sidelines, typically due to poor performance or for rest. It is also used to refer to seating in parks, public gardens, or other outdoor areas.
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| suspend |
Used when someone is temporarily removed from a position, job, or school, pending further investigation or as a penalty. This can also apply to temporarily halting an operation or process.
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| ban |
Used when someone is officially prohibited from participating in an activity, entering a place, or using something. It often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The referee decided to bench the player for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- The coach benched the star player for not following team rules.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many parks around the world, benches serve as social hubs where people gather to converse and relax.
- Benches are often inscribed with names or messages, turning them into memorials for loved ones.
- In some cultures, benches symbolize community, where discussions and friendly encounters happen freely.
Architecture
- Architects design benches to enhance public spaces, allowing for both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
- Modern benches can be made from various materials, including recycled plastics, metals, or concrete, promoting sustainability.
- They come in diverse designs, from minimalist styles to elaborate art pieces in city centers.
Sports
- In sports, a 'bench' refers to non-playing team members who support their teammates during games.
- The strategy of substituting players is known as 'rotating the bench,' aiming to keep the team fresh.
- Some players may face the bench if they're not performing well, leading to the phrase 'riding the pine' in American sports slang.
Psychology
- Sitting on a bench can promote mindfulness, encouraging people to pause and reflect in a busy world.
- Bench spaces in parks are often associated with relaxation and stress relief, enhancing mental well-being.
- Social interactions that occur on benches can lead to feelings of community and belongingness.
Origin of 'bench'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'benche' meaning a long seat.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'banca,' which means a bench or table.
- Originally, benches were simple wooden structures used in public gatherings and marketplaces.
The word 'bench' originated from the Old English word 'benc', which referred to a long seat for several people. Over time, the word evolved to also refer to the seats for coaches and reserve players in sports. The verb form of 'bench' emerged in the 20th century in the context of sports, meaning to remove someone from a game or activity.
See also: benches, benchmark, benchmarks, benchtop.