Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Game Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎮
Add to dictionary

game

[ÉĄeÉĒm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fun activity

A form of play or sport, especially a competitive one played according to rules and decided by skill, strength, or luck.

Synonyms

activity, competition, sport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
game

A game is usually a structured form of play, often undertaken for entertainment or fun. It can also refer to video games or board games.

  • Let's play a game of chess.
  • The children are outside playing a game of tag.
activity

An activity is any action or task that is carried out, often for a specific purpose or for recreation.

  • Yoga is a relaxing activity that helps reduce stress.
  • The teacher prepared a fun activity for the class.
sport

A sport is a physical activity involving skill and physical exertion, often governed by a set of rules and engaged in competitively.

  • Soccer is my favorite sport to watch and play.
  • Tennis is a sport that requires a lot of practice and endurance.
competition

A competition involves participants striving to outperform each other, often in sports, games, or other contests. It carries a more serious and competitive connotation.

  • She won the singing competition last year.
  • The competition between the two teams is fierce.

Examples of usage

  • It's important to have fun while playing a game.
  • She enjoys playing board games with her family.
  • The children are outside playing games in the yard.
Context #2 | Noun

deceptive scheme

A plan, scheme, or trick for achieving a purpose, usually by outwitting an opponent or creating a false impression.

Synonyms

plot, scheme, strategy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
game

Wild animals hunted for food or sport.

  • The hunter brought back some game from the forest
  • Game preserves help protect endangered species
scheme

A plan, often secret or dishonest, intended to achieve a particular goal. Has a negative connotation.

  • They uncovered a scheme to cheat the company out of millions
  • She was part of a scheme to manipulate the stock market
plot

The sequence of events in a story, book, or movie.

  • The plot of the novel was full of twists and turns
  • She couldn't follow the plot of the complicated movie

Examples of usage

  • He was involved in a dangerous game of espionage.
  • The politician's game of manipulation was exposed by the media.
Context #3 | Verb

manipulate or deceive

To manipulate or deceive someone in order to achieve a desired outcome.

Synonyms

cheat, deceive, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
game

Used to describe an activity that people do for fun or competition. It has a neutral and often positive connotation.

  • We played a fun game of chess last night.
  • The children were excited to start their new video game.
cheat

Used when someone breaks rules to gain an unfair advantage. It carries a strongly negative connotation.

  • He cheated on the exam and got caught.
  • It's not fair to cheat in a game; it ruins the fun for everyone.
trick

Used when someone uses a clever or sneaky action to fool someone else. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the intent.

  • He played a trick on his sister by hiding her keys.
  • Magicians use tricks to entertain their audience.
deceive

Used when someone intends to mislead or lie to another person. It has a serious and negative connotation.

  • She deceived her friend by lying about where she had been.
  • It's wrong to deceive people for personal gain.

Examples of usage

  • She tried to game the system by exploiting a loophole.
  • He was known for his ability to game his opponents.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Playing games can improve cognitive functions, such as problem-solving and memory skills.
  • Games can create a sense of community and belonging, as they often require teamwork and social interaction.

Pop Culture

  • The gaming industry is one of the most lucrative sectors worldwide, surpassing even the film industry in revenue.
  • Competitive gaming, or esports, has grown immensely, with global tournaments drawing millions of viewers.

History

  • Board games like Chess and Go date back thousands of years, illustrating strategic thinking in ancient cultures.
  • The first known video game, 'Tennis for Two,' was created in 1958, marking the beginning of the interactive entertainment age.

Literature

  • Games are often used as metaphors in literature to illustrate conflicts, strategies, and moral dilemmas.
  • Many classic stories, like Lewis Carroll's 'Through the Looking-Glass,' feature games as key elements of the narrative.

Origin of 'game'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'gamen,' which meant joy, fun, or amusement.
  • In medieval times, 'game' referred to the act of hunting and the animals hunted for sport.

The word 'game' originated from the Old English word 'gamen', meaning amusement or fun. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to play, competition, and deception. Games have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, serving as a source of entertainment, social interaction, and skill development. From ancient board games to modern video games, the concept of games continues to evolve and adapt to changing technologies and societal norms.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,433, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.