Courts: meaning, definitions and examples

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courts

[kɔːts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal system

A court is a place where legal matters are heard and decided by a judge or jury. Courts are responsible for interpreting and applying the law in order to resolve disputes and administer justice.

Synonyms

judicial system, law court, tribunal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
courts	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.
tribunal	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.
judicial system	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.
law court	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.

Examples of usage

The case will be heard in the Supreme Court next week.
The court ordered the company to pay compensation to the injured party.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

In sports, a court is a specially marked out area where games such as tennis, basketball, and volleyball are played. It usually has specific dimensions and boundaries.

Synonyms

arena, pitch, playing field.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
courts	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.
playing field	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.
arena	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	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.

Examples of usage

She served an ace on the tennis court.
The basketball court was newly renovated for the upcoming season.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

dated

To court someone means to try to win their affection and love, usually with romantic intentions. It involves showing interest, admiration, and pursuing a relationship.

Synonyms

pursue, romance, woo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
courts	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.
woo	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.
pursue	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.
romance	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.

Examples of usage

He courted her with flowers and love letters.
She was courted by many suitors before choosing her partner.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originates from the Latin word 'cohort', meaning to sum up or bring together, which evolved into a space where disputes were gathered and settled.
In medieval times, courts were often held in the homes of nobles, who acted as judges in their communities.
The idea of a formal court system began in England during the 12th century, primarily through the establishment of the King's Court.

Legal System

Courts play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice is administered fairly and impartially.
There are different types of courts, including civil courts, criminal courts, and appellate courts, each with specific functions.
The court system varies greatly between countries, reflecting different legal traditions, such as common law and civil law systems.

Pop Culture

Courts have been featured in many movies and TV shows, portraying dramatic moments of justice being served, like in 'Law & Order' or 'A Few Good Men'.
The courtroom drama genre has captivated audiences, often highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by judges and lawyers.
Iconic characters like Perry Mason and Atticus Finch symbolize the fight for justice within court settings.

Influential Cases

Landmark cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education, changed societal norms by addressing racial segregation within schools.
Supreme Court decisions can shape national policy, as seen in cases related to free speech and individual rights.
Global courts, like the International Criminal Court, handle crimes against humanity and aim to uphold international law.

Architecture

Courthouses are often notable for their impressive architecture, signifying their importance in society, with many featuring grand columns and domes.
Famous courthouses, like the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, representing justice's weight.
The design of courts varies worldwide, from historical buildings to modern structures, reflecting the culture and values of their surroundings.

Translations

Translations of the word "courts" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tribunais

🇮🇳 अदालतें

🇩🇪 Gerichte

🇮🇩 pengadilan

🇺🇦 суди

🇵🇱 sądy

🇯🇵 裁判所

🇫🇷 tribunaux

🇪🇸 tribunales

🇹🇷 mahkemeler

🇰🇷 법원

🇸🇦 محاكم

🇨🇿 soudy

🇸🇰 súdy

🇨🇳 法院

🇸🇮 sodišča

🇮🇸 dómstólar

🇰🇿 соттар

🇬🇪 სასამართლოები

🇦🇿 məhkəmələr

🇲🇽 tribunales

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,277, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1274 attack
1275 amendment
1276 concern
1277 courts
1278 believed
1279 speech
...