Players Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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players

[ˈpleɪərz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

Individuals who participate in a game or sport.

Synonyms

athletes, competitors, sportsmen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
players

This term is commonly used in team sports like football, basketball, or hockey. It refers to individuals who take part in these games.

  • The players were exhausted after the intense match
  • The coach praised his players for their teamwork
athletes

This is a general term for individuals who are involved in physical exercise and sports, particularly those who compete in events like the Olympics or professional leagues. It emphasizes their physical training and prowess.

  • The athletes trained for months to prepare for the marathon
  • Many professional athletes follow strict diets
competitors

This word is often used in the context of competitions or contests, beyond just sports. It emphasizes the aspect of rivalry and competition.

  • The competitors lined up at the starting line, ready to race
  • In the business world, competitors are always looking for ways to outperform each other
sportsmen

This term is slightly old-fashioned and more formal, often used to describe men who take part in sports. It has a broad application but is less common in modern usage. Note that it is gender-specific.

  • The club hosted a dinner to honor its distinguished sportsmen
  • He was regarded as one of the greatest sportsmen of his generation

Examples of usage

  • He is one of the best basketball players in the world.
  • The team has talented players in every position.
Context #2 | Noun

games

Individuals engaged in a game or competition.

Synonyms

competitors, contenders, gamers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
players

General term for people who participate in games or sports, either individually or as part of a team.

  • The players celebrated their victory after the match.
  • There are twelve players on the field.
gamers

Specific to individuals who play video games. Often used within the context of the gaming community.

  • Many gamers prefer playing online with friends.
  • Professional gamers compete in eSports tournaments.
competitors

Used for people or teams competing against each other in a contest, tournament, or competition. Often implies a sense of rivalry.

  • The competitors trained hard for the upcoming championship.
  • Each competitor aims to win the gold medal.
contenders

Refers to people or teams that are considered likely to succeed in a competition or contest. Often implies they have a good chance of winning.

  • She is one of the top contenders for the title.
  • Both teams are strong contenders for the championship.

Examples of usage

  • The chess players were deep in thought.
  • She is a skilled poker player.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In team sports, players work together to achieve a common goal, like scoring points or winning a match.
  • Professional players often have rigorous training schedules and must maintain peak physical condition.
  • Popular sports have leagues where players compete against each other, with the goal of becoming champions.

Pop Culture

  • In the gaming industry, players can connect globally via online platforms, creating communities around shared interests.
  • The term 'players' is often used in music and entertainment to describe individuals or groups who perform in front of audiences.
  • Movies and TV shows often feature players as main characters, showcasing their journeys and challenges.

Psychology

  • Engaging in play can promote teamwork and improve social skills among players, helping them build friendships.
  • Research shows that players develop problem-solving abilities and creativity through gameplay.
  • The concept of 'play' is crucial to cognitive development in children, as they learn about the world around them.

Theatre

  • In theatre, players are often referred to as actors and bring stories to life through their performances.
  • Players in a drama must interpret and embody their characters, often drawing from their own experiences.
  • The world of acting allows players to explore diverse emotions and perspectives, enhancing their artistic skills.

Origin of 'players'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'player' comes from the Old French word 'pleier', meaning to play.
  • In Middle English, 'playere' referred to someone who performed games or acted in a play.
  • The term has evolved to include anyone engaged in sports, games, or artistic performances.

The term 'players' originated from the Old English word 'plega', meaning 'action, exercise, sport, game'. Over time, it evolved to refer to individuals engaged in various activities, such as sports and games. The concept of players has been integral to human society throughout history, reflecting our innate desire for competition and recreation.


See also: downplay, interplay, misplay, outplay, outplayed, overplay, play, playback, playboy, player, playful, playfully, playfulness, playground, playhouse, playing, playlist, playoff, plays, plaything, playtime, playwright, playwrights, teleplay.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,924, 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.