Strategy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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strategy

[หˆstrรฆt.ษ™.dส’i ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.

Synonyms

approach, method, plan, tactic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strategy

Used when discussing a comprehensive plan or set of actions to achieve a long-term goal. It often involves high-level decision-making and is broad in scope.

  • Their strategy for entering the Asian market proved successful.
  • We need to develop a strategy to improve our customer service.
plan

Focuses on a detailed proposal or roadmap outlining steps to achieve a specific goal. It is typically more detailed than a strategy and may include timelines and resources.

  • The project manager presented a detailed plan for the new initiative.
  • We need a plan to increase our sales by the end of the quarter.
tactic

Used for actions or steps that are part of a larger strategy, often short-term and focused on specific tasks or problems. It implies a more immediate and smaller-scale action.

  • Their tactic to gain more followers involved daily social media posts.
  • We need to change our tactics to win this game.
approach

Refers to the way one handles a situation or tackles a problem. It is often more flexible and can be about general procedures or attitudes towards dealing with a task.

  • Her approach to solving the issue was creative and effective.
  • We need to rethink our approach to product development.
method

Indicates a specific technique or systematic procedure used to accomplish a task. It is more concrete and detailed compared to 'approach'.

  • The method they used to test the software was thorough.
  • Please explain the method you followed to reach this conclusion.

Examples of usage

  • Developing a successful marketing strategy is crucial for the growth of a business.
  • His strategy to increase sales involved offering discounts to loyal customers.
Context #2 | Noun

military

The art of planning and directing overall military operations and movements in a war or battle.

Synonyms

maneuvers, operations, tactics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strategy

Used when discussing a long-term plan or approach, usually in business, military, or game contexts.

  • Our company's strategy for expansion includes opening new offices in Asia.
  • The general outlined his strategy for the upcoming battle.
tactics

Used for short-term actions or plans used to achieve a particular aim, often in military or competitive situations.

  • His tactics on the basketball court helped the team win the game.
  • The commander discussed the tactics for the upcoming mission with his officers.
maneuvers

Used when describing movements or actions designed to achieve a specific goal, often in military, sports, or driving scenarios.

  • The pilot performed complex maneuvers during the airshow.
  • The army conducted night maneuvers to prepare for the mission.
operations

Refers to organized actions conducted to achieve a specific purpose, commonly used in military, medical, or business settings.

  • The rescue operations after the earthquake were intense and well-coordinated.
  • He is in charge of operations at the new factory.

Examples of usage

  • The general's brilliant strategy led to a decisive victory on the battlefield.
  • The enemy's defensive strategy was well thought out and difficult to overcome.
Context #3 | Noun

games

A plan for achieving an end, including the rules and methods for playing a game.

Synonyms

plan, scheme, tactics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strategy

Use 'strategy' when referring to a high-level plan designed to achieve long-term goals, often used in business, military, or competitive contexts.

  • The company's strategy for expanding into new markets has proven successful
plan

A 'plan' is a detailed proposal or layout for achieving specific, usually shorter-term goals. It can be used in various contexts, including personal, professional, and logistical matters.

  • We need to create a detailed plan for the team's upcoming project
scheme

The word 'scheme' often implies a secret or dishonest plan, although it can also refer to a formally organized plan in British English, where it does not carry a negative connotation.

  • The government announced a new scheme to provide affordable housing
tactics

Use 'tactics' when referring to specific actions or steps taken to achieve a short-term goal, often within the framework of a larger strategy. This term is frequently used in military and competitive scenarios.

  • Our marketing tactics have been very effective in increasing brand awareness

Examples of usage

  • She carefully devised a strategy to win the chess match.
  • Understanding your opponent's strategy is key to winning in poker.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Sun Tzuโ€™s 'The Art of War' is one of the oldest known texts on military strategy, written in ancient China around the 5th century BC.
  • During World War II, innovative strategies were key to outmaneuvering enemy forces, including the use of deception and intelligence.
  • In business, strategic planning became essential in the latter half of the 20th century to navigate competitive markets.

Psychology

  • Strategic thinking often involves foresight, where individuals anticipate future obstacles and opportunities.
  • Cognitive flexibility is vital for developing effective strategies, allowing people to adapt their plans as circumstances change.
  • Group dynamics can influence strategy development, as collaboration often leads to more creative solutions.

Business

  • Companies often develop five-year strategic plans to ensure growth, addressing market trends and consumer behavior.
  • SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is a common tool used to formulate effective business strategies.
  • Many successful entrepreneurs attribute their success to having a clear strategy that outlines their vision and direction.

Games & Sports

  • In games like chess, players use strategies to outsmart their opponents, often thinking several moves ahead.
  • Team sports, such as basketball and football, rely heavily on strategic formations and plays that adapt to the opponent's moves.
  • Video games often integrate strategic elements requiring players to plan their actions to achieve victory, making them popular for exercising critical thinking.

Origin of 'strategy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'strategia', meaning 'the office of general', showing its roots in military planning.
  • It entered the English language in the 18th century, originally referring to the art of military command.
  • In ancient times, strategies were often devised based on terrain, troop strengths, and the element of surprise.

The word 'strategy' originated from the Greek word 'strategia', which means the 'office or art of a general'. The concept of strategy has been crucial throughout history, especially in military and business contexts. The modern usage of the word encompasses a broad range of planning and decision-making processes aimed at achieving specific goals or objectives.


Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,924, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.