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Gambit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gambit

[ˈɡambɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chess strategy

An opening in chess in which a player sacrifices material, typically a pawn, in order to achieve a resulting advantageous position.

Synonyms

maneuver, strategy, tactic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gambit

Use this word when referring to a calculated risk or opening move that sacrifices something minor to gain a greater advantage, often in games like chess.

  • In a daring gambit, she offered her knight early in the game.
  • His opening gambit in the negotiation was to concede on price to win on terms.
strategy

Use this word when discussing a long-term plan or overarching method to achieve a major goal.

  • Her strategy for the business was to focus on quality over quantity.
  • We need a new marketing strategy to increase our brand awareness.
maneuver

Use this word for moves that require skill and dexterity, often in physical or tactical scenarios.

  • The driver executed a perfect maneuver to avoid the collision.
  • The general's maneuver caught the enemy by surprise.
tactic

Use this word for specific actions or steps that are part of a larger strategy, especially in conflict or competition.

  • His tactic of flanking the opponent worked well in the match.
  • The politician employed diversionary tactics to avoid answering the question.

Examples of usage

  • He played the Queen's Gambit, sacrificing his pawn to gain control of the center of the board.
  • The Sicilian Gambit is a popular strategy among experienced chess players.
Context #2 | Noun

general usage

A device, action, or opening remark, typically one entailing a degree of risk, that is calculated to gain an advantage.

Synonyms

move, ploy, scheme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gambit

Used in a strategic context, especially in chess or when referring to an opening strategy designed to gain an advantage by risking something.

  • He played an early gambit by sacrificing a pawn to control the center of the board
move

General term used for any action taken, particularly in games or competitions. It does not necessarily imply a strategic or risky action.

  • She made a bold move by investing all her savings in the new startup
ploy

Refers to a tactic or maneuver designed to deceive or trick someone. Often has a negative connotation.

  • His apology turned out to be just a ploy to win her trust back
scheme

Usually implies a detailed and often complex plan, which can sometimes have a negative or underhanded implication.

  • The whole scheme to manipulate the stock market was discovered by the authorities

Examples of usage

  • His decision to confront the CEO directly was a risky gambit, but it paid off in the end.
  • The company's latest advertising campaign was a clever gambit to attract new customers.
Context #3 | Noun

fiction

A character in fiction, especially a film or television series, known for their cunning and strategic thinking.

Synonyms

character, figure, persona.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gambit

Appropriate in situations involving strategic moves, particularly in chess or tactical conversations. It often suggests a deliberate risk or sacrifice for a future gain.

  • His opening gambit in the negotiation was to offer a very low price.
  • She made a clever gambit in the chess match, sacrificing her queen for a winning strategy.
character

Best used when referring to the traits, personality, or moral qualities of a person or fictional entity. Can also refer to a role in a story.

  • He has a strong character, always standing up for his beliefs.
  • The main character in the novel was a brave young hero.
persona

Used when discussing the image or role that a person presents to others, which might be different from their true self. Often relevant in the context of public figures or in psychology.

  • On stage, he adopts the persona of a confident, charismatic leader.
  • Her social media persona doesn't reflect her real-life shyness.
figure

Commonly used to describe a person's shape or silhouette, a well-known person, or a numerical value. May refer to someone with significance in a particular field.

  • She has maintained a slim figure through regular exercise.
  • Albert Einstein is a prominent figure in the field of physics.
  • He couldn't believe the figure on his paycheck.

Examples of usage

  • The character Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders is often regarded as a master of the gambit.
  • Loki from the Marvel Universe is known for his deceptive gambits.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Chess

  • In chess, a gambit involves sacrificing a piece, usually a pawn, to gain a more strategic position on the board.
  • Famous gambits include the King's Gambit and the Evans Gambit, each with unique strategies for players.
  • Many chess champions, including Bobby Fischer, have used gambits as key tactics in their matches.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in films and literature to describe characters who take risky but strategic actions to achieve their goals.
  • In the popular TV series 'House of Cards,' political gambits illustrate how power plays can influence relationships and outcomes.
  • It's also the name of a character in the Marvel Comics universe known for his clever strategies and charm.

Psychology

  • Taking a gambit can be linked to risk-taking behavior, where individuals assess potential gains against possible losses.
  • Studies show that strategic thinkers often excel in environments where gambits are necessary, such as business negotiations.
  • The psychology of a gambit involves calculated risks that can lead to innovative solutions in problem-solving.

History

  • Ancient military tactics often included gambits, where leaders would sacrifice troops to lure the enemy into traps.
  • Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' discusses similar strategic moves, emphasizing the importance of deception in battle.
  • Throughout history, political figures have used gambits to solidify alliances and gain leverage during negotiations.

Origin of 'gambit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'gambit' comes from the Spanish word 'gambito,' which means to shuffle or to move the pieces in chess.
  • It's derived from the Italian 'gambetto,' meaning 'to trip up,' reflecting its strategic nature.
  • It entered the English language in the late 19th century, primarily used in chess contexts before expanding to general use.

The word 'gambit' originated in the late 17th century from the Italian word 'gambetto', meaning 'to trip up' or 'to dangle'. It was first used in the context of chess to describe a strategic opening move involving sacrifice. Over time, 'gambit' has come to represent any risky or calculated move to gain an advantage, not just in chess but in various contexts including business and fiction.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,504, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.