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Combatants: meaning, definitions and examples

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combatants

 

[ˈkɒmbətənts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a battle

Combatants are individuals or groups engaged in a physical conflict, such as a war or a fight. They actively participate in the battle, using weapons or physical force to defeat their opponents.

Synonyms

fighters, opponents, warriors.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
combatants

Used in formal or military contexts to describe people actively engaged in fighting during a conflict or war.

  • The battlefield was filled with combatants from both sides
fighters

Refers to people who engage in physical fights or struggle aggressively, often in informal or paramilitary contexts.

  • The fighters entered the ring, ready to prove their skills
warriors

Used to describe brave and experienced soldiers, often with a historical or honorable connotation, and can imply traditional or cultural martial prowess.

  • The ancient warriors were known for their courage and fighting skills
opponents

Describes individuals or groups on the opposing side in a contest, game, or conflict; not necessarily involving physical fighting.

  • He studied his opponents carefully before making his next move in the chess game

Examples of usage

  • The two combatants clashed on the battlefield.
  • The combatants fought fiercely for control of the territory.
  • Both sides suffered casualties as the combatants continued to engage in combat.
Context #2 | Noun

in a legal dispute

In a legal context, combatants refer to parties involved in a legal dispute, such as a court case or arbitration. They present their arguments and evidence to support their position in the legal proceedings.

Synonyms

contenders, litigants, opponents.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
combatants

Use this word to describe people or groups who are actively fighting in a war or battle.

  • The combatants on both sides suffered heavy losses
  • The humanitarian group worked tirelessly to help wounded combatants
litigants

This word is used in legal settings to refer to people or parties involved in a lawsuit.

  • The litigants presented their cases to the judge
  • Both litigants are waiting for the court's final decision
contenders

This word fits when talking about people or teams competing for a prize or a top position, particularly in sports or competitions.

  • The new tennis player quickly became one of the top contenders for the championship
  • Several strong contenders are vying for the title of 'Best Chef'
opponents

Use this word to describe people or groups who are against each other in a competition, debate, or conflict. It can be used broadly and is not limited to physical confrontations.

  • The chess players studied their opponents' strategies carefully
  • She faced a strong opponent in the final debate

Examples of usage

  • The legal team represented the combatants in the court case.
  • The two combatants settled their dispute through arbitration.
  • The combatants presented their case before the judge.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Originates from the Latin word 'combatāre', which means 'to fight together'.
  • The term has evolved through Old French before becoming part of the English language in the late Middle Ages.

History

  • Throughout history, combatants have taken on various roles, from soldiers in armies to gladiators in ancient Rome.
  • In World War I and II, combatants included regular armies as well as guerilla fighters and resistance movements.
  • The distinction between combatants and non-combatants is crucial in international humanitarian law.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and video games, combatants are often depicted as heroic figures, representing good vs. evil.
  • Popular franchises like 'Street Fighter' and 'Mortal Kombat' focus on combatants battling each other with special skills.
  • Wrestling events showcase combatants as entertainers, using scripted fights to captivate audiences.

Psychology

  • The motivations of combatants can vary, including duty, honor, survival, or even ideology.
  • Combatants often face psychological effects from their experiences in conflict, such as PTSD.
  • Studies show that group dynamics within combatant units can significantly affect their performance and outcomes in battles.

Literature

  • Literary works often romanticize combatants, framing them as tragic heroes or symbols of national pride.
  • Famous novels like 'All Quiet on the Western Front' explore the harrowing experiences of combatants in war.
  • Shakespeare's plays frequently feature combatants as central characters, showcasing the complexities of war and honor.

Translations

Translations of the word "combatants" in other languages:

🇵🇹 combatentes

🇮🇳 योद्धा

🇩🇪 Kämpfer

🇮🇩 pejuang

🇺🇦 бійці

🇵🇱 bojownicy

🇯🇵 戦闘員

🇫🇷 combattants

🇪🇸 combatientes

🇹🇷 savaşçılar

🇰🇷 전투원

🇸🇦 مقاتلون

🇨🇿 bojovníci

🇸🇰 bojovníci

🇨🇳 战斗人员

🇸🇮 borci

🇮🇸 bardagamenn

🇰🇿 жауынгерлер

🇬🇪 მებრძოლები

🇦🇿 döyüşçülər

🇲🇽 combatientes

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,090, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.