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Relegate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relegate

[ˈrɛlɪɡeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sports context

To relegate means to assign a lower rank or position to someone or something. In sports, it is often used to describe the movement of a team to a lower division as a consequence of poor performance. This can have significant implications for a team's finances, reputation, and player contracts. Relegation can create an intense rivalry among teams, as it often comes down to the last few matches of the season to determine which teams stay in the top division and which are relegated.

Synonyms

degrade, demote, downgrade, lower.

Examples of usage

  • The team was relegated after finishing at the bottom of the league.
  • Relegation can be catastrophic for a football club's finances.
  • Many fans feared their team would be relegated this season.
  • He celebrated their relegation with a sense of schadenfreude.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In many sports leagues, teams can be relegated to a lower division based on their performance, affecting their chances in future seasons.
  • Relegation battles are common in European football, creating excitement and tension among fans and players towards the season's end.
  • This system helps maintain competitive balance, allowing lower-performing teams to improve without being permanently removed from the league.

Psychology

  • Relegating responsibilities can impact a person’s self-esteem, as being assigned less important tasks may feel like a loss.
  • Studies show that social dynamics can shift dramatically when individuals are relegated in workplace settings, often leading to disengagement.
  • Feeling relegated often intertwines with feelings of inadequacy and can trigger anxiety or motivation to prove oneself.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters may be relegated as a form of punishment or moral lesson, emphasizing societal norms of the time.
  • Famous narratives sometimes portray the themes of relegation as metaphors for societal exclusion or underestimation of individuals.
  • Authors often use relegation as a plot device to illustrate the protagonist's struggle against societal constraints.

Cultural References

  • In various cultures, relegation is often viewed negatively; it's often associated with failure or loss of status.
  • The concept is frequently depicted in films and documentaries that explore themes of rise and fall in social standing.
  • In business, relegating a colleague can lead to discussions on workplace ethics and the importance of inclusivity.

Origin of 'relegate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'relegare', meaning 'to send away' or 'to assign'.
  • Its origins can be traced to the combination of 're-' (again) and 'legare' (to appoint or send).
  • In early usage, the term was often linked to sending people away or giving them lesser duties.

The term 'relegate' originates from the Latin word 'relegare', which means 'to send away' or 'to remove'. This Latin term is a combination of the prefix 're-', meaning 'back' or 'again', and 'legare', meaning 'to send' or 'to appoint'. The word has evolved over time and entered the English language in the early 17th century, primarily used in legal and formal contexts. In contemporary use, especially in sports, it has become a standard term used to describe the action of demoting teams within league systems, particularly in European football. The notion of relegation reflects a competitive structure where performance directly impacts a team's status, contributing to the drama and excitement of seasonal sports competitions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,716, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.