Courts: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for places where legal cases are heard. Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

• She spent many days in courts fighting for her rights.
• The courts have decided in favor of the plaintiff.

A specific type of court, often used for specialized purposes like labor disputes or international law. Can also have negative connotations when referring to oppressive or biased courts.

• The employment tribunal resolved their dispute.
• He faced a tribunal on charges of war crimes.

Refers to the entire system of courts, judges, and legal procedures within a country. Used more in formal contexts or discussions about legal infrastructure.

• The country's judicial system needs major reforms.
• He is an expert on the judicial system of the United States.

Less commonly used; generally interchangeable with 'court' but can be used to emphasize the legal nature of the institution.

• The law court ruled against the defendant.
• She works at the law court downtown.

Courts are typically used for sports that involve a defined playing area bounded by lines or walls, such as tennis, basketball, volleyball, and badminton.

• She spent hours practicing her serves on the tennis court.
• The basketball game took place at the community center's indoor court.

A playing field refers to any large area of grass or turf that is used for outdoor sports activities like soccer, football, and rugby. It can also be used more generically to describe any sports field.

• The school has a large playing field where multiple teams can practice at the same time.
• Parents gathered around the playing field to watch their kids' first football game.

An arena is a large, enclosed area where spectators can watch sports, performances, or other events. It is usually designed for larger audiences and can host events like hockey, concerts, and basketball games.

• The rock concert will be held at the downtown arena.
• Thousands of fans gathered in the arena to watch the championship game.

Pitch is commonly used in British English to refer to a field, especially for outdoor team sports such as soccer, rugby, and cricket. It also denotes the quality of the ground, e.g., a muddy or dry pitch.

• The children played soccer on the local pitch every Saturday.
• The cricket match was delayed due to the wet pitch.

A form of the word 'court' used to refer to the process of seeking favor or attention from multiple people or groups at the same time. It often implies a continuous or plural effort.

• During the election, the candidate courts different voter demographics by attending various community events.
• The author courts both intrigue and controversy with her provocative new book.

Often used in a slightly old-fashioned or poetic way to describe the act of seeking someone's love or favor, usually with the intention of forming a romantic relationship. It can sometimes have a quaint or charming connotation.

• The knight tried to woo the princess with songs and brave deeds.
• He spent months trying to woo her, sending her notes and gifts.

Typically used when someone is actively and persistently trying to achieve a particular goal or establish a relationship, often with a sense of determination or persistence.

• She decided to pursue a career in medicine despite the challenges.
• He has been pursuing her for months, but she is not interested in starting a relationship.

Primarily used to describe engaging in a love affair or an affectionate relationship. It can also refer to making efforts to create or maintain a romantic relationship.

• They spent the evening romancing by the fireplace, enjoying each other's company.
• He tries to romance her with flowers and poetry.