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Relegated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relegated

[ˈrɛləˌɡeɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sports context

To be relegated means to be demoted to a lower division or category, especially in sports leagues. This typically occurs when a team performs poorly over a season or a series of matches, failing to meet the standards required to remain in a higher division.

Synonyms

demoted, devalued, downgraded.

Examples of usage

  • The team was relegated to the second division after losing the last match.
  • Last season, they narrowly avoided relegation.
  • Relegation can have serious financial implications for clubs.
  • After a string of defeats, the club was officially relegated.
  • Many fans were devastated by the news of their team's relegation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In many sports leagues, teams that perform poorly may be relegated to a lower division, impacting their future competition and funding.
  • The concept is prevalent in soccer, where teams face demotion if they finish at the bottom of the standings.

Social Sciences

  • Relegating roles can reflect societal structures, where certain groups may be placed in less visible or respected positions.
  • In workplace settings, employees can feel relegated to mundane tasks if their skills aren't recognized, affecting morale and productivity.

Literature

  • Authors may depict characters who are relegated to the background, illustrating themes of marginalization and the struggle for recognition.
  • In George Orwell's '1984', individuals are relegated by the Party to ensure conformity and suppress dissent.

Psychology

  • Being relegated can impact self-esteem, as individuals may feel undervalued or overlooked in personal and professional settings.
  • The feeling of being relegated can lead to cognitive dissonance, where one's self-perception conflicts with how they are treated.

Origin of 'relegated'

Main points about word origin

  • The term dates back to Latin, originating from 'relegare', which means to send away again or cast aside.
  • In early English, it was used in relation to banishing or putting someone in a lower status.

The word 'relegate' comes from the Latin 'relegare', which means 'to send away' or 'to banish'. The prefix 're-' means 'back' or 'again', and 'legare' is related to 'legare', meaning 'to assign or appoint'. In its early uses, especially in medieval Latin, 'relegare' referred to the act of assigning someone to a less important position or sending them away for disciplinary reasons. The term began to emerge in English usage in the late 19th century, predominantly in the context of sports, where it was used to describe the demotion of teams in league standings. Over time, the application of the term expanded beyond sports, becoming relevant in various fields where status or rank might be downgraded.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,323, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.