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Match Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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match

[mætʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

A competition or game in which people, teams, etc. compete against each other.

Synonyms

competition, contest, game.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
match

Used when referring to a formal or organized game between two teams or individuals, such as in sports or competitions.

  • The football match between Spain and Italy was very exciting.
  • She watched the tennis match on TV last night.
competition

Used when referring to an event where multiple participants or teams compete against each other to win a prize or recognition.

  • She won first place in the singing competition.
  • The company hosted a coding competition for college students.
contest

Usually used to describe competitive events that are judged based on certain criteria, such as talent shows or essay contests.

  • He entered a baking contest and won.
  • The school held a science contest for students.
game

A general term for any structured form of play, especially those with rules and objectives; can be used informally for both physical and digital activities.

  • We played a board game with the family last night.
  • She enjoys video games in her free time.

Examples of usage

  • She won the tennis match.
  • It was a close match between the two teams.
Context #2 | Verb

relationships

To be harmonious or compatible with someone or something.

Synonyms

agree, correspond, fit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
match

Use 'match' when referring to a competition or game between two people or teams.

  • The tennis match was exciting
  • They have a big match against their rivals tomorrow
correspond

Use 'correspond' when referring to things that have a direct relationship or connection, often used in more formal contexts.

  • Her story corresponds with the evidence
  • The results correspond to our expectations
fit

Use 'fit' to describe something that is the right size or shape, or appropriate for a particular situation.

  • These shoes fit perfectly
  • The key doesn't fit the lock
agree

Use 'agree' to indicate having the same opinion or reaching a mutual decision on something.

  • I agree with your point of view
  • They agreed to meet at noon

Examples of usage

  • Their personalities match perfectly.
  • The colors of the painting match the furniture in the room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Matches create fire through a chemical reaction of friction, leading to combustion when struck against the right surface.
  • The head of a safety match contains an oxidizing agent that allows it to ignite safely only on the packaging surface.
  • The burnt tip of a matchstick can reach temperatures of up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit (about 315 degrees Celsius).

Pop Culture

  • In the 1999 film 'The Matchmaker', a romantic comedy centers around a woman sent to a small town to help with a matchmaking event.
  • The famous card game 'Match' involves finding pairs of matching cards, emphasizing memory and pattern recognition.
  • Matches have appeared in various songs and poems, often symbolizing love or connections, much like a 'perfect match' in relationships.

History

  • The first strike-on-box matches were invented by Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner in the 1820s, revolutionizing how people could create fire.
  • Before modern matches, people used flint and steel, which was more challenging and less convenient for lighting fires.
  • Match-making was a pivotal industry during the Industrial Revolution, with factories producing millions of matches annually.

Literature

  • In literature, the symbolism of a 'match' often represents a spark of inspiration or the initiation of change.
  • Charles Dickens used matches to depict poverty in his works, illustrating how they were scarce yet vital for survival.
  • The imagery of lighting a match has often been used in poetry to represent hope, ignition of ideas, or turning points in story arcs.

Origin of 'match'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'match' comes from the Old French term 'meiche', which refers to a wick or something that burns.
  • Earlier forms of matches were called 'lucifers', which were made of sulfur and flammable materials and could easily ignite.
  • The word 'match' has been used since the 15th century and originally referred to a burning wick or torch.

The word 'match' originated from Old English 'mæcca', which means 'mate, companion'. It evolved to the current meaning of 'a competition' or 'to be compatible with'. The word has been used in various contexts and languages over the years, reflecting its versatility and importance in communication.

See also: matched, matching, matchless, matchstick, mismatched, outmatch, outmatchable, outmatched, unmatched.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,132, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.