Spearman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚔️

Add to dictionary

spearman

[ˈspɪəmən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

weapon

A soldier equipped with a long weapon for thrusting or throwing, typically having a pointed head.

Synonyms

lancer, pikeman, soldier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spearman	Used to describe a historical or fantasy infantry soldier who wields a spear as his primary weapon. The spearman stood ready at the front lines, his spear pointed towards the enemy. In the ancient battle, spearmen formed a defensive wall against the cavalry charges.
lancer	Typically refers to a soldier in a cavalry unit who fights with a lance. This term is commonly found in historical, especially medieval or renaissance, contexts. The lancer charged fearlessly into battle, his lance aimed at the opposing knight. In medieval Europe, lancers were an integral part of any cavalry charge.
pikeman	Describes a soldier who uses a pike, a long pole weapon. Often used to refer to infantry soldiers in historical and renaissance warfare settings. The pikemen were strategically positioned to defend against enemy cavalry. During the English Civil War, pikemen were commonly used to break through enemy lines.
soldier	A general term for a person who serves in an army. Can be used in both historical and modern contexts without specifying the type of weapon or unit. The soldier received his orders and prepared for the mission ahead. Throughout history, soldiers have played crucial roles in defending their nations.

Examples of usage

The spearman stood ready for battle.
The spearman hurled his weapon at the enemy.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

statistics

A measure of rank correlation that assesses how well the relationship between two variables can be described using a monotonic function.

Synonyms

rank correlation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spearman	Use 'Spearman' (capitalized) to refer to the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, a statistical measure used to identify the strength and direction of association between two ranked variables. The Spearman coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between study time and test scores. In our research, Spearman's rank correlation was used to analyze the non-linear relationships among the variables.
rank correlation	Use 'rank correlation' in a statistical or data analysis context when discussing the relationship between different variables in terms of their ranks. To analyze the data set, we computed the rank correlation between the variables. Rank correlation is a non-parametric method, meaning it does not assume a specific distribution for the data.

Word

Description / Examples

spearman

Use 'Spearman' (capitalized) to refer to the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, a statistical measure used to identify the strength and direction of association between two ranked variables.

The Spearman coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between study time and test scores.
In our research, Spearman's rank correlation was used to analyze the non-linear relationships among the variables.

rank correlation

Use 'rank correlation' in a statistical or data analysis context when discussing the relationship between different variables in terms of their ranks.

To analyze the data set, we computed the rank correlation between the variables.
Rank correlation is a non-parametric method, meaning it does not assume a specific distribution for the data.

Examples of usage

The spearman correlation coefficient is often used in statistical analysis.
The researcher calculated the Spearman's rank correlation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Spear-wielding fighters have existed since ancient times, with records from civilizations like the Greeks and Romans using spearmen in their armies.
The earliest spears date back over 400,000 years, initially created for hunting and protection.
In African cultures, spearmen often played crucial roles in warfare and tribal rituals, showcasing the spear's importance beyond just a weapon.

Military History

Many ancient armies organized units of spearmen, often placed at the front lines to fend off cavalry and protect archers.
The Macedonian phalanx, developed by Alexander the Great, featured long-speared soldiers called pike men, which was a tactical evolution of the spearman's role in warfare.
Spearmen were known for their ability to create defensive formations, making it difficult for enemies to break through.

Cultural Representation

In various mythologies, spearmen are often depicted as heroes or guardians, symbolizing strength and bravery.
The Viking Age saw formidable spearmen, known for their valor in raids and battles, often celebrated in sagas and songs.
Spears have appeared prominently in art, including famous paintings and sculptures, highlighting their significance throughout history.

Modern Context

Today, spears are largely used in sports like javelin throwing, which is based on the principles of using a spear.
Cultural festivals in some regions still feature traditional spear-throwing competitions, celebrating heritage and warrior traditions.
In fantasy literature and games, spearmen are often featured as characters, symbolizing the classic warrior archetype.

Technology and Innovation

The design of spears has evolved over time, with advancements in materials creating lighter and more durable versions.
Modern armies sometimes use tactical variations of spears, like bayonets, which are fixed to rifles for close combat.
Spears have inspired various forms of pole weapons, leading to innovations in martial arts and combat training techniques.

Origin of 'spearman'

The word 'spearman' originated from the Old English word 'spere' meaning spear, and 'man' denoting a person. In the military context, a spearman was a soldier armed with a spear, a common weapon in ancient warfare. The use of the term 'spearman' in statistics comes from the name of Charles Spearman, a British psychologist known for his work in statistics and psychometrics.