Playoff Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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playoff
[หpleษชหษf ]
Definitions
sports
A series of games to determine a champion, typically in a professional sports league.
Synonyms
championship, postseason, tournament.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| playoff |
Use 'playoff' to refer to a set of games played to determine the winner among teams that had successful regular seasons. It is often used in professional sports leagues.
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| tournament |
Use 'tournament' to describe a series of games or matches in which a number of teams or individuals compete to determine a winner. It can occur in various sports and activities, often involving elimination rounds.
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| championship |
Use 'championship' to denote the final contest to determine the overall winner of a sports league or competition. It represents the culmination of the competitive season.
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| postseason |
Use 'postseason' as a general term referring to games played after the regular season, including playoffs and championships. It doesn't specify a particular event but encompasses the period.
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Examples of usage
- The team made it to the playoff finals.
- The playoffs are always an exciting time for fans.
business
A period of intense competition or elimination rounds to select the best candidates or projects.
Synonyms
competition, elimination rounds, selection process.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| playoff |
This term is often used in sports when referring to a series of games or matches to determine a champion among teams that have qualified based on their performance in the regular season.
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| competition |
This is a broad term that can be used in various contexts where entities are striving to win or achieve something, not limited to sports. It can apply to academic contests, business rivalries, and more.
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| selection process |
This term is commonly used in employment, academic settings, or any scenario where individuals or teams are chosen or sorted based on certain criteria, rather than direct competition.
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| elimination rounds |
Used to describe a specific stage in a competition where participants are gradually removed based on their performance, often leading up to finals or playoffs. Typically seen in tournaments and multi-stage events.
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Examples of usage
- The company is in the playoff phase to choose the next CEO.
- The design competition has reached the playoff stage.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'playoff' began to be used in sports in the early 20th century, reflecting the competitive nature of final matches.
- The first playoff for the National Football League (NFL) was held in 1933, establishing a new way to decide the championship.
Sports Culture
- Many sports leagues, like the NBA and NHL, hold playoffs to determine their champions, creating excitement for fans.
- Playoff systems can vary widely among sportsโsome are single-elimination while others feature best-of series.
Psychology
- Competing in playoffs can significantly heighten stress and anxiety for players but can also lead to peak performance moments.
- The pressure of playoffs often leads teams to come together more strongly, enhancing teamwork and camaraderie.
Economics
- Playoff seasons can lead to increased revenue for leagues through ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights.
- Local economies often benefit from playoff games as fans travel to support their teams, boosting business around stadiums.
Notable Moments
- Some playoff games are legendary for dramatic finishes, such as the 'Immaculate Reception' in NFL history.
- Playoff upsets are common, where lower-seeded teams defeat higher-seeded teams, creating memorable sports moments.
Origin of 'playoff'
The term 'playoff' originated in the world of sports in the late 19th century to describe a series of games to determine a champion. Over time, the concept of playoffs expanded to business and other competitive fields. The word reflects the idea of playing off against each other to find the ultimate winner.
See also: downplay, interplay, misplay, outplay, outplayed, overplay, play, playback, playboy, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness, playground, playhouse, playing, playlist, plays, plaything, playtime, playwright, playwrights, teleplay.