Participant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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participant

[pษ‘หหˆtษชsษชpษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a competition

A person who takes part in an event or activity.

Synonyms

competitor, contestant, entrant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
participant

Used in general situations where someone is involved in an activity or event.

  • Every participant in the workshop will receive a certificate.
  • Each participant brought their own ideas to the discussion.
competitor

Used when someone is competing in a contest, aiming to win or succeed against others.

  • The competitor trained for months to prepare for the race.
  • Each competitor must follow the rules to be eligible for the prize.
contestant

Used when someone is taking part in a contest or competition, particularly one that involves judging or elimination.

  • The contestant answered all the questions correctly and won the game show.
  • Every contestant has a unique talent which will be showcased on stage.
entrant

Used when someone is entering a contest, competition, or event, often focusing on the act of entry.

  • Each entrant must submit their application by the end of the month.
  • The competition had over a hundred entrants this year.

Examples of usage

  • He was a participant in the marathon last year.
  • She has been a participant in the science fair for three years in a row.
Context #2 | Noun

in a study or experiment

A person who takes part in a study or experiment, often under the observation of researchers.

Synonyms

subject, test subject, volunteer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
participant

Used in general settings to describe someone who takes part in an event, activity, or study.

  • The participants in the workshop showed great enthusiasm
  • Each participant in the race received a medal
subject

Commonly references individuals in scientific research or experiments. Might also imply a focus of study.

  • The subject did not display any side effects from the new medication
  • In our study, each subject was monitored for 24 hours
volunteer

Describes someone who offers their time or service willingly, often without expectation of compensation. Often used in the context of charity, research, or community service.

  • We are looking for volunteers to help with the community cleanup
  • The volunteers in the study were compensated for their time
test subject

Primarily used within experimental contexts, often in scientific and medical studies. This term can sometimes carry a negative connotation as it implies being used for testing.

  • The test subject was given a placebo as part of the control group
  • Ethical concerns arise frequently regarding the treatment of test subjects

Examples of usage

  • The participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire after the experiment.
  • The study included both male and female participants.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Social Science

  • Research shows that participants in group activities tend to have stronger social bonds and better communication skills.
  • Active participants are more likely to retain information and learn effectively compared to passive listeners.
  • In psychology, being a participant can enhance feelings of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.

Education

  • In educational settings, participants in group projects often bring diverse skills and perspectives, enriching the learning experience.
  • Many teaching methods, like cooperative learning, emphasize the importance of participants engaging actively for better outcomes.
  • Student participation is linked to improved academic performance and greater motivation to learn.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV shows, like competition series, are famous for featuring participants who compete for prizes or recognition.
  • Many community festivals rely on participants to engage in activities, showcasing local culture and talent.
  • In online gaming, participants can create their realms, connecting with others in virtual adventures.

Technology

  • In many online forums and platforms, users are often referred to as participants, emphasizing their active role in discussions.
  • Virtual reality experiences rely heavily on participants to interact with digital environments, enhancing immersion.
  • Crowdsourcing initiatives depend on participants to contribute ideas and solutions, showcasing the power of collective intelligence.

Origin of 'participant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word stems from the Latin 'participare,' meaning 'to share in, have a part in.'
  • It combines the roots 'pars' (part) and 'capere' (to take).
  • The term has been in use since the 15th century, originally referring to sharing or taking part in something.

The word 'participant' originates from the Latin word 'participare', which means 'to share'. The term has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to someone who takes part in an activity or event. Over time, 'participant' has become widely used in various fields, including sports, research, and education.


See also: nonparticipation, participating, participation, participative, participatory.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,768 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.