Softball: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.