Pawn: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a piece in the game of chess that represents the least powerful piece. Often metaphorically used to refer to a person who is used by others for their own objectives without considering their feelings or well-being. Can have a negative connotation in metaphorical use.

• In chess, the pawn can only move forward one square at a time.
• He felt like a pawn in his boss's scheme, with no control over his own actions.

A generic term referring to any of the 16 pieces used by each player in the game of chess, including pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, queens, and kings.

• Each chess piece has its own unique movements.
• She carefully placed the chess pieces back in their starting positions.

This is the French term for 'pawn' in chess, used when speaking or writing in French, or when referring to the game of chess in a French cultural context.

• Le pion ne peut avancer que d'une case à la fois sur l'échiquier.

This word is often used in a negative context to describe someone who is being used by others for their own gain, usually without the pawn's awareness or consent. It has a connotation of manipulation or exploitation.

• He was just a pawn in their political game.

This word can refer to a physical object used to perform a task or a person used by others to accomplish their goals. When referring to a person, it can have a negative connotation, similar to 'pawn,' although it is less strong.

• A hammer is a basic tool for carpentry.
• She felt like a tool in their scheme.

This is used to describe something or someone that is used to achieve a specific purpose or goal, often in a more neutral or positive sense compared to 'pawn.' It can refer to a physical object or a person whose skills are needed to accomplish something.

• The new software is an essential instrument for data analysis.
• He was an instrument of change in the organization.