Score Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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score

[skɔr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

The number of points, goals, runs, etc. achieved in a game or competition.

Synonyms

points, result, tally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
score

Used for tracking the number of points in a game, competition, or test. It's common in sports and academic performance.

  • The final score of the match was 3-2.
  • She scored high marks on her math test.
points

Used to denote individual units in a scoring system, often in games, competitions, or rating systems.

  • He scored three points in the basketball game.
  • The movie received 87 points out of 100 in the review.
result

Refers to the outcome or conclusion of an event, test, or examination. It focuses more on the final outcome rather than the numerical score.

  • The result of the election was surprising.
  • We are waiting for the test results to come back.
tally

Used to refer to a continuous count or record of numbers, often in an informal context. It can also track accumulated points or counts over time.

  • The tally of votes indicated a clear winner.
  • They kept a tally of the days they spent traveling.

Examples of usage

  • The final score was 3-2 in favor of the home team.
  • He has a high score in the basketball game.
Context #2 | Verb

music

To mark with lines or notches for the purpose of keeping a record.

Synonyms

annotate, mark, record.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
score

Used primarily in the context of sports, exams, or games to indicate the points earned by a participant or team.

  • The final score of the game was 3-2
  • She scored 95 out of 100 on her math test
mark

Commonly used in an educational context to assign a grade to a student's work, or in general to indicate a specific point or highlight something.

  • The teacher marked the exams over the weekend
  • She marked the important dates on her calendar
record

Used when documenting or capturing information, events, or performances, often for keeping an official account.

  • The event was recorded for future reference
  • He recorded his expenses in a ledger
annotate

Used in academic or professional settings to add notes or comments to a text, document, or diagram, often for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

  • The professor asked us to annotate the research paper with our thoughts
  • She annotated her notes to include references

Examples of usage

  • The conductor asked the musicians to score their music sheets for better coordination.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In team sports, the score determines the winner and can lead to playoffs or championships based on total points.
  • Scoring systems differ across sports; for example, in football, a touchdown equals 6 points but in basketball, each basket can range from 1 to 3 points.
  • Historical records of the score date back to ancient games, including those in Greece and Rome.

Music

  • 'Score' also refers to a written musical composition, showing all parts of the music together for orchestras and bands.
  • In film, a score includes the background music that enhances the mood of a scene.
  • Famous composers like Mozart and Beethoven wrote some of the most celebrated scores in classical music.

Education

  • In academics, scoring refers to the marks or grades received on tests and assignments to evaluate student performance.
  • Standardized tests often convert raw scores to a scale so results can be compared across different test-takers.
  • Scores can provide feedback for improvement, guiding students on areas that need more focus.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'you scored' is often used to congratulate someone for success, like finding a great deal or achieving a goal.
  • Movies often feature characters celebrating after achieving a 'score' during heists or adventures, popularizing thrilling narratives.
  • Social media posts frequently use 'score' when someone shares a positive experience or accomplishment.

Origin of 'score'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'score' comes from the Old French term 'escourer', which meant to score marks or tally.
  • Originally, a score referred to twenty of something, like 20 items or points, stemming from the ancient practice of counting with notches.
  • Over time, the meaning has evolved to widely refer to scoring in games and tests.

The word 'score' originated from the Old English word 'scor' which meant 'twenty'. It was used to keep track of marks or notches made on a stick to record a tally or count. Over time, the meaning evolved to include achieving points or goals in games or competitions. The use of 'score' in music to mark notations on a sheet also has a long history, dating back to the practice of composers marking their compositions for musicians to follow.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,065, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.