Semifinal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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semifinal

[ˌsɛmɪˈfaɪnəl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sports contest

A semifinal is a match or round immediately preceding the final, often determining which participants will advance to the final match of a tournament. Semifinals are crucial stages in competitions such as sports, where teams or individuals compete to secure a place in the final event.

Synonyms

pre-final, semifinal match, semifinal round.

Examples of usage

The team won their semifinal and advanced to the championship.
In tennis, the semifinals determine which two players will compete for the title.
The semifinal match was thrilling and drew a large audience.
She played exceptionally well in the semifinal game.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Sports

In tournaments, the semifinal is the round before the final, and it determines which teams or players get to compete for the championship.
Many popular sports, like football and basketball, use semifinals to narrow down the teams to the best two.

Education

In academic settings, 'semifinal' can refer to assessments that take place before the final exams, helping students gauge their understanding.
Some colleges hold semifinal presentations where students showcase projects before the final evaluations.

Literature

In competitions related to literature, like poetry slams or writing contests, a semifinal round often decides which works advance to the final showcase.
Some literary awards have semifinal rounds where authors compete before the final judging.

Entertainment

Reality TV shows often have semifinal episodes where contestants are narrowed down before the finale.
Talent competitions like 'America's Got Talent' also feature semifinals, showcasing the best acts before the final showdown.

Origin of 'semifinal'

Main points about word origin

The word 'semifinal' comes from the Latin 'semi-' meaning half and 'finalis' meaning final.
The term has been in use since the late 19th century, commonly in sports contexts.

The term 'semifinal' originated in the early 20th century, combining the prefix 'semi-', meaning half, with 'final', a term derived from the Latin 'finalis', meaning pertaining to an end or limit. The concept of semifinals has roots in various competitive formats where only part of the contestants advance to the final stage. Initially used in sporting contexts, the term has expanded to include any competition structured in a similar fashion, reflecting its dual role in deciding eligibility for finals and its significance in determining overall winners.