Racing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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racing

[หˆreษชsษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sport

The sport of competing in races, usually involving vehicles or animals, to see which is the fastest.

Synonyms

competition, running, speed contest.

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Word Description / Examples
racing

This word is typically used when talking about organized events where participants try to be the fastest over a course or track. It can refer to car racing, horse racing, or other sports involving speed.

  • The Formula 1 racing season begins next month.
  • He has been racing horses for over a decade.
competition

Use this term for any event or activity where participants compete against each other to achieve a goal. It is broad and can refer to both physical and mental contests.

  • The science competition was tough this year.
  • She entered a baking competition and won first prize.
speed contest

This term is used for events where the main goal is speed, specifically to be the fastest. It is less commonly used in everyday speech but can apply to various speed-related activities.

  • They held a speed contest to see who could solve the puzzle the quickest.
  • The annual speed contest attracted many fast runners from all over the country.
running

Running is a specific physical activity that involves moving quickly on foot. It can be a form of exercise, a recreational activity, or part of a competitive sport.

  • He enjoys running in the park every morning.
  • She has been training for a marathon and runs ten miles every day.

Examples of usage

  • They enjoy watching horse racing on weekends.
  • Formula 1 racing is known for its high speeds and adrenaline-filled races.
  • The racing industry generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.
Context #2 | Noun

activity

The act or process of moving or progressing at high speed.

Synonyms

hurrying, speeding, sprinting.

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Word Description / Examples
racing

Typically refers to competitive events or situations involving speed.

  • The cars are racing down the track
  • She has a passion for horse racing
speeding

Often refers to driving a vehicle faster than the legal speed limit and can have a negative connotation.

  • The police officer gave him a ticket for speeding
  • Speeding in a school zone is extremely dangerous
hurrying

Used when someone is moving quickly because they need to get somewhere urgently, often in everyday situations.

  • She was hurrying to catch the bus
  • He is hurrying to finish his homework before dinner
sprinting

Specifically refers to running at full speed for a short distance, often in sports or physical activities.

  • The athlete was sprinting towards the finish line
  • She is practicing sprinting to improve her speed

Examples of usage

  • He felt the thrill of adrenaline as he went racing down the hill on his bike.
  • The car came racing around the corner, narrowly avoiding a collision.
  • She was racing against time to finish the project before the deadline.
Context #3 | Noun

gambling

The practice of engaging in races for the purpose of betting on the outcome.

Synonyms

betting on races, wagering on competitions.

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Word Description / Examples
racing

This term is identical to 'racing' and shares the same context and examples. It refers to the act or sport of running races.

  • He has always been passionate about car racing.
  • The racing event drew a large crowd.
betting on races

This phrase is best used to describe the specific activity of placing bets or wagers on the outcome of races. It often refers to gambling and involves a monetary stake.

  • She enjoys betting on races at the local horse track.
  • Betting on races can be both thrilling and risky.
wagering on competitions

Use this phrase to describe the act of placing bets or making wagers on various types of competitions, not limited to racing. This can involve various sports or even other competitive events.

  • Wagering on competitions can add excitement to the games.
  • He was known for wagering on competitions, from soccer matches to boxing bouts.

Examples of usage

  • He placed a bet on the dog racing at the local track.
  • Many people enjoy the excitement of horse racing and betting on the races.
  • Racing can be a risky activity when it involves gambling.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of racing dates back to ancient times when people would compete in foot races at festivals in Greece.
  • The first recorded horse racing event occurred in Babylon around the 3rd millennium BC, showcasing competition's long-standing nature.
  • Chariot racing was extremely popular in ancient Rome, drawing huge crowds to the Circus Maximus.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Fast & Furious' and 'Days of Thunder' have popularized car racing in modern entertainment, combining high speeds with thrilling stories.
  • Video games such as 'Mario Kart' and 'Need for Speed' allow players to experience racing in fantastical and real-world settings.
  • In the world of sports, events like the Monaco Grand Prix attract global attention, showcasing some of the fastest cars in the world.

Science

  • Physics plays a crucial role in racing, particularly the principles of speed, acceleration, and aerodynamics that affect vehicle performance.
  • Engine technology has greatly advanced racing cars, with hybrid and electric systems becoming popular in recent years for better performance and environmental efficiency.
  • Driver reaction time is vital in racing; even a tiny delay can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Psychology

  • The thrill of competition in racing can boost adrenaline and create a strong sense of excitement, often leading to emotional highs.
  • Studies suggest that individuals who engage in competitive racing develop a sense of discipline and focus, which can carry over into other areas of life.
  • Team dynamics also play a role, as racing often requires excellent communication and collaboration among pit crews and drivers.

Literature

  • Racing as a theme appears in various novels, symbolizing the struggle for victory and the pursuit of dreams, like in 'The Last Hero' by Terry Pratchett.
  • Famous quotes from literature often convey the metaphor of life as a race, emphasizing its challenges and the need to keep moving forward.
  • Poetry, too, captures the essence of racing, often using it as a metaphor for life's journey and the passage of time.

Origin of 'racing'

The word 'racing' originated from the Middle English word 'racen', which meant 'to run swiftly'. It has been used to describe competitive contests of speed involving various forms of transportation for centuries. Racing has evolved from ancient foot races to modern-day motor sports and horse racing. The thrill and excitement of racing have made it a popular form of entertainment and competition around the world.


See also: biracial, outrace, race, racehorse, racer, racers, racial, racialism, racialist, racism, racist, racy.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,034 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.