Softball: meaning, definitions and examples

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softball

[ˈsɔftˌbɔl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sport

A type of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field with seven innings instead of nine.

Synonyms

softball game, softball match, softball tournament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
softball	This word is used when referring to the sport or the physical ball used in the sport. She loves playing softball every weekend The coach bought a new softball for practice

Word

Description / Examples

softball

This word is used when referring to the sport or the physical ball used in the sport.

She loves playing softball every weekend
The coach bought a new softball for practice

Examples of usage

The kids are playing softball in the park.
She used to be a pitcher for the softball team.
We have a softball game scheduled for this weekend.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

equipment

A ball used in the sport of softball, larger than a baseball.

Synonyms

softball ball.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
softball	The term can also refer to the actual ball used in the sport. Even though 'softball' is already included in the previous entry, here it specifically means the physical ball. He hit the softball so hard it flew over the fence. They need to buy a new softball for practice.
softball ball	Primarily used to emphasize the physical ball used in the sport for clarity, often when the context might otherwise be confusing. Can you hand me that softball ball from the shelf? We packed the softball ball along with the other equipment for the game.

Word

Description / Examples

softball

The term can also refer to the actual ball used in the sport. Even though 'softball' is already included in the previous entry, here it specifically means the physical ball.

He hit the softball so hard it flew over the fence.
They need to buy a new softball for practice.

softball ball

Primarily used to emphasize the physical ball used in the sport for clarity, often when the context might otherwise be confusing.

Can you hand me that softball ball from the shelf?
We packed the softball ball along with the other equipment for the game.

Examples of usage

She hit the softball out of the park.
The coach brought a bag full of softballs for practice.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

informal

A metaphorical term for something easy or non-threatening.

Synonyms

easy task, simple question.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
softball	This term is often used in informal conversations or media to describe a question or task that is incredibly easy and not challenging at all. Sometimes, it's a bit of a criticism suggesting that the person or entity doing the asking or assigning is not being tough enough. The interviewer was just throwing softballs; nothing that would make the politician break a sweat. Her presentation was full of softballs, so the team didn't have to think too hard.
easy task	Use this phrase when you want to describe a task that doesn't require much effort or skill. It's neutral in tone and suitable for both casual and formal settings. Filing the documents is an easy task. You can finish it within an hour. The manager gave me an easy task to start with so I could get used to the workflow.
simple question	This phrase is appropriate when referring to a question that is straightforward and doesn't require complex thinking to answer. It's often used in academic or casual settings. Please start the quiz with a simple question to build the students' confidence. It was a simple question, but he struggled to find the answer.

Word

Description / Examples

softball

This term is often used in informal conversations or media to describe a question or task that is incredibly easy and not challenging at all. Sometimes, it's a bit of a criticism suggesting that the person or entity doing the asking or assigning is not being tough enough.

The interviewer was just throwing softballs; nothing that would make the politician break a sweat.
Her presentation was full of softballs, so the team didn't have to think too hard.

easy task

Use this phrase when you want to describe a task that doesn't require much effort or skill. It's neutral in tone and suitable for both casual and formal settings.

Filing the documents is an easy task. You can finish it within an hour.
The manager gave me an easy task to start with so I could get used to the workflow.

simple question

This phrase is appropriate when referring to a question that is straightforward and doesn't require complex thinking to answer. It's often used in academic or casual settings.

Please start the quiz with a simple question to build the students' confidence.
It was a simple question, but he struggled to find the answer.

Examples of usage

Don't worry, that task is a softball for you.
It was a softball question, so she answered it quickly.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Softball was invented in 1887 in Chicago as an indoor game to keep players active during the winter months.
Originally called 'indoor baseball', it evolved into a different sport with its own set of rules and equipment.
The first official softball league started in 1933, marking the sport's growth and popularity among players.

Cultural Significance

In the U.S., softball has become a major women's sport, with the first Women's Softball World Series held in 1965.
The sport is played at various levels, from youth leagues to professional tournaments, fostering community and team spirit.
Often used in schools and recreational programs, softball serves as an introduction to sports for many young athletes.

Rules and Gameplay

Softball games typically consist of seven innings, and teams try to score runs by hitting the ball and running around bases.
Unlike baseball, the pitch is delivered underhanded and the ball is larger, making it easier to hit for many players.
There are variations in softball, including slow-pitch and fast-pitch, each with different rules and playing styles.

Health and Fitness

Playing softball can enhance physical fitness, improving hand-eye coordination, strength, and cardiovascular endurance.
As a team sport, it encourages social skills and camaraderie among players, which is essential for building friendships.
Regular participation in softball helps in developing discipline and teamwork, important traits for personal growth.

Notable Figures

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are celebrated athletes, known for their achievements in both softball and volleyball.
Joan Joyce, a legendary softball player, was known for her remarkable pitching skills and played for several decades.
The United States women's national softball team has won multiple championships, showcasing top-tier talent in the sport.

Translations

Translations of the word "softball" in other languages:

🇵🇹 softball

🇮🇳 सॉफ्टबॉल

🇩🇪 Softball

🇮🇩 sofbol

🇺🇦 софтбол

🇵🇱 softball

🇯🇵 ソフトボール

🇫🇷 softball

🇪🇸 softbol

🇹🇷 softbol

🇰🇷 소프트볼

🇸🇦 سوفتبول

🇨🇿 softball

🇸🇰 softball

🇨🇳 垒球

🇸🇮 softball

🇮🇸 softball

🇰🇿 софтбол

🇬🇪 სოფტბოლი

🇦🇿 softbol

🇲🇽 softbol

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,008, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23005 motherly
23006 undertone
23007 screeching
23008 softball
23009 puffy
23010 almanac
23011 governorship
...