Fumble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คฆ
fumble
[หfสmbษl ]
Definitions
in sports
To handle or play with something in a clumsy or unskillful way, often resulting in a mistake or error.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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fumble |
Fumble is usually used when someone clumsily drops or mishandles something, often due to nervousness or lack of dexterity. It can also refer to making a mistake in an awkward or unskilled way when trying to do something.
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bungle |
Bungle is used when someone does something incompetently or makes a mess of a task. This term also carries a negative connotation, implying that the failure is due to ineptitude.
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botch |
Botch is used when someone does something very badly, often due to lack of skill or care. This term has a negative connotation, suggesting the task was performed poorly.
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mishandle |
Mishandle is used when someone manages or deals with something incorrectly or ineffectively. It often implies negligence or incompetence. It usually applies to tasks, situations, or objects.
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Examples of usage
- She fumbled the ball and the other team scored a touchdown.
- He fumbled with the controls and accidentally turned off the power.
general
An act of mishandling or dropping something due to clumsiness or lack of skill.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
fumble |
Fumble is best used when referring to awkward or clumsy handling, especially when someone is trying to do something and they drop or mishandle it. It often implies a lack of coordination or nervousness.
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mistake |
Mistake is a more general term for any kind of error or wrong action. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from casual to formal, without strongly negative connotations.
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blunder |
Blunder is appropriate when referring to a serious mistake that is typically caused by carelessness or ignorance. It often implies that the mistake had significant consequences.
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error |
Error is generally used in more formal or technical contexts to refer to a mistake, usually in calculations, data, or procedures. It doesn't necessarily imply carelessness.
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Examples of usage
- She made a fumble while trying to catch the glass and it shattered on the floor.
- His fumble with the paperwork caused a delay in the project.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In American football, a 'fumble' is when a player loses possession of the ball while running, which can lead to exciting moments in the game.
- In soccer, players can fumble the ball if they misplace a pass or miss a kick, causing a change in the game's flow.
Psychology
- People often fumble when they are nervous or under pressure, highlighting how emotions can impact our physical abilities.
- Research shows that when multitasking, our brains can become overwhelmed, leading to more frequent fumbles in everyday tasks.
Education
- In learning environments, students might fumble when trying to present ideas, which is a normal part of developing public speaking skills.
- Fumbling can also occur when trying to solve a difficult problem, underscoring the importance of patience and persistence in learning.
Pop Culture
- In comedy, characters often fumble in humorous situations, showing how mistakes can lead to laughter.
- Popular films often feature scenes where characters fumble during key moments, impacting the storyโs outcome in a dramatic or comedic way.
Origin of 'fumble'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'fumble' comes from the Old English 'fombian,' meaning to grasp or handle awkwardly.
- It has connections to the Middle English word 'fumble,' which meant to touch or handle something roughly.
The word 'fumble' originated from Middle English 'fomelen', which means to grope or feel about, probably of imitative origin. The word has evolved over the centuries to its current usage in sports and general contexts.
See also: fumbler.