Softball: meaning, definitions and examples

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softball

 

[ ˈsɔftˌbɔl ]

Noun
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?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The history of softball dates back to 1887 when it was invented in Chicago as an indoor game. Originally called indoor baseball, it quickly gained popularity and evolved into the game we know today. Softball became an official Olympic sport in 1996, further boosting its global presence and popularity.

See also: soft, softbox, softcover, soften, softenable, softener, softening, softie, softly, softness, software, softy.

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.