Goal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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goal
[ɡəʊl ]
Definitions
in sports
The object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
Synonyms
aim, intention, objective, purpose, target.
Examples of usage
- My goal is to win the championship.
- She scored a fantastic goal in the last minute of the game.
- We need to set clear goals to achieve success.
in sports
Score a goal, especially in a game such as football.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| goal |
Repeated term usually aimed to describe the same as the first one, emphasizing achievements or outcomes in both sports and life.
|
| score |
Refers to the act of gaining points in a game or contest. It is also used in broader contexts to signify achieving success or obtaining something valuable.
|
| hit |
Often used in the context of physically striking something, such as hitting a ball or achieving success like a 'hit song'. It can also imply a negative context when referring to a setback or attack.
|
| net |
Commonly used in sports to refer to the mesh structure used in games like soccer and basketball. It is also used in finance to describe the net amount after deductions.
|
Examples of usage
- She goals in every match she plays.
- He has the ability to goal from long range.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Setting clear goals increases motivation and focus, helping people achieve more in various aspects of life.
- Research shows that writing down goals significantly boosts the likelihood of achieving them.
Pop Culture
- In sports, a 'goal' often refers to the point-scoring area, like the net in soccer or hockey.
- Movies often depict characters working toward a personal goal, emphasizing themes of determination and perseverance.
Education
- Educational goals help structure learning, such as aiming to understand a new subject or improve grades.
- Teachers often encourage students to set personal goals, which can lead to increased academic performance.
Motivation
- Having long-term and short-term goals allows individuals to track progress and celebrate smaller victories along the way.
- Goal-setting theory suggests that the more specific and challenging the goal, the better the performance.
Origin of 'goal'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'goal' comes from the Old English word 'gālh', meaning 'a boundary or limit'.
- Originally, 'goal' referred to a physical place, like a mark at the end of a race.
The word 'goal' originated from the Old English word 'gāl', which meant 'boundary, limit'. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent a person's ambition or desired result. The use of 'goal' in sports to refer to scoring a point dates back to the 16th century. The term is widely used in various fields to denote a target or objective to be achieved.
See also: goalie, goalkeeper, goalless, goalpost, goals, goaltender.