Pawn: meaning, definitions and examples

♟️

Add to dictionary

pawn

[pɔːn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

chess piece

A pawn is the most basic chess piece that can only move forward one square at a time, except for its first move when it can advance two squares. Pawns are crucial in controlling the center of the board and can be promoted to any other piece if they reach the opposite end of the board.

Synonyms

chess piece, pion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pawn	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.
chess piece	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.
pion	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.

Word

Description / Examples

pawn

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.

chess piece

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.

pion

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.

Examples of usage

The pawn moved two squares forward on its first move.
Capturing the opponent's pawn can give you a strategic advantage in the game.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

disposable person

In a metaphorical sense, a pawn can refer to a person used by others for their own purposes, often without consideration for the individual's well-being. This term is commonly used in politics and power dynamics.

Synonyms

instrument, tool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pawn	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.
tool	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.
instrument	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.

Word

Description / Examples

pawn

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.

tool

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.

instrument

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.

Examples of usage

She felt like a pawn in their game of power and control.
He was just a pawn in their political maneuvering.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'pawn' comes from the Latin word 'pani,' meaning 'foot soldier.'
It was used in chess around the late 15th century when the game as we know it began to take shape.
A related term is 'pawner,' which refers to someone who gives an item to a pawn shop for a loan.

Pop Culture

Pawn shops often appear in movies and TV shows as places where characters buy or sell items for quick cash.
The reality TV series 'Pawn Stars' has made pawning a popular cultural topic, showcasing the art of bargaining and valuation of items.
In video games, the concept of a pawn is often used to describe weaker characters that players can use strategically.

Psychology

Using pawns can represent our life choices; we often feel small but can impact the bigger picture.
The actions of pawns in chess can teach critical thinking and foresight, enhancing problem-solving skills.
In strategies, feeling like a pawn can sometimes lead to empowerment when one realizes their potential for growth.

History

Chess originated in India during the Gupta Empire, and the pawn has remained a central figure throughout its evolution.
During medieval times, the pawn represented the commoner in society, while other pieces symbolized nobility and royalty.
In some chess variants across cultures, pawns are granted special abilities, showcasing different societal inspirations.

Literature

Pawns are often used symbolically in stories to represent characters who seem insignificant but play crucial roles.
Shakespeare often used chess metaphors to illustrate the complexities of power and strategy in his plays.
Children’s literature frequently includes games like chess, where pawns embody themes of courage and sacrifice.

Translations

Translations of the word "pawn" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peão

🇮🇳 प्यादा

🇩🇪 Bauer

🇮🇩 bidak

🇺🇦 пішак

🇵🇱 pionek

🇯🇵 ポーン

🇫🇷 pion

🇪🇸 peón

🇹🇷 piyon

🇰🇷 졸

🇸🇦 بيدق

🇨🇿 pěšec

🇸🇰 pešiak

🇨🇳 卒子

🇸🇮 kmet

🇮🇸 peð

🇰🇿 пешка

🇬🇪 პაიკი

🇦🇿 piyada

🇲🇽 peón

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,568, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17565 flocked
17566 anvil
17567 preemption
17568 pawn
17569 rump
17570 engulfed
17571 inquisitive
...