Relegation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relegation

[ˌrɛlɪˈɡeɪʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sports

The action of moving a team down to a lower division, typically as a result of finishing at the bottom of the league.

Synonyms

demotion, displacement, downgrading.

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Word Description / Examples
relegation

Typically used in sports contexts or formal settings to describe the action of moving someone or something to a lower position or rank, often as a consequence of poor performance.

  • The team's relegation to a lower division was a major disappointment for the fans.
  • His repeated mistakes led to his relegation from a lead role in the project.
demotion

Used mainly in organizational or workplace settings to indicate the act of reducing someone's rank, often as a punitive measure. It has a formal tone and is perceived negatively.

  • After failing to meet the company's targets, she faced demotion.
  • The manager warned that any further misconduct could result in demotion.
downgrading

Used to describe a decrease in status, quality, or importance. It can apply to products, ratings, or positions and often carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation.

  • The credit rating agency announced the downgrading of the company's bonds.
  • Due to budget cuts, the event experienced a downgrading of its usual services.
displacement

Generally used to describe the act of moving something or someone from its usual or original position. It can be applied in various contexts, including geography, technology, and social issues.

  • The earthquake caused the displacement of thousands of residents.
  • Technological changes may lead to the displacement of certain jobs.

Examples of usage

  • Relegation can be a devastating blow for a team and its fans.
  • After a series of poor performances, the team faces the threat of relegation.
  • The club's relegation was met with disappointment by supporters.
  • Relegation battles often result in tense and dramatic matches.
  • Survival from relegation requires a strong finish to the season.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In soccer leagues, relegation happens when teams perform poorly, leading them to drop to a lower tier the next season.
  • Different countries have different rules about relegation; in England, it's common in the Premier League and lower divisions.
  • Relegation battles create thrilling last matches, where teams fight to avoid dropping down, adding excitement for fans.

Cultural Impact

  • Relegation can significantly impact a team's finances due to lower ticket sales and sponsorships in a lower division.
  • Fans can feel a strong emotional connection to their team during relegation battles, creating tense atmospheres in stadiums.
  • The concept is often used metaphorically in business and social contexts to describe individuals or groups shifting to less favorable conditions.

Psychology

  • Experiencing relegation can lead to a decrease in team morale and motivation among players.
  • In psychology, it is studied how group identity and cohesion are affected when a team faces relegation.
  • Relegation can elicit strong emotional responses from fans, ranging from anger to sadness, indicating the deep connection between sports and personal identity.

Literature

  • Relegation appears in sports literature as a theme of struggle, resilience, and redemption in narratives about teams and players.
  • It symbolizes the harsh realities of competition and often serves as a plot device in novels focused on sports culture.
  • Writers explore the impact of relegation not only on teams but also on communities that rally around these teams.

Origin of 'relegation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'relegation' comes from the Latin 'relegare,' meaning to send away or dismiss.
  • The term originally referred more broadly to the act of assigning or transferring someone to a lesser role or status.
  • It has been used in various contexts since the late 19th century, especially in sports discussions.

The term 'relegation' originated in the world of sports, particularly in the context of team sports such as football (soccer) and rugby. It is used to describe the process of moving a team from a higher division to a lower division based on their performance in a league. The concept of relegation adds an element of competition and pressure to sports leagues, as teams strive to avoid being relegated. The word itself comes from the Latin verb 'relegare', meaning 'to send away', which reflects the idea of moving a team down in the hierarchy.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,679 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.