Teammate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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teammate

[ˈtiːmˌmeɪt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sports

A person who is part of the same team as another person, especially in sports.

Synonyms

colleague, companion, team member.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
teammate	Used primarily in sports or competitive activities to refer to someone on the same team. John passed the ball to his teammate for the final goal. After practice, the teammates celebrated their victory.
team member	Used in professional, educational, or collaborative environments to specify someone who is part of a team, typically emphasizing their role within the team. Each team member has a specific responsibility in the project. As a team member, you are expected to contribute your best efforts.
colleague	Used in professional or work environments to refer to someone who works with you, typically in the same field or on similar tasks. I discussed the project details with my colleague during the meeting. Sara and her colleagues went out for lunch after a busy week.
companion	Used to describe a friend or someone you spend a lot of time with. It has a more personal and often informal feel compared to other synonyms. Her dog has been her loyal companion for years. She traveled the world with her companion, sharing many adventures.

Examples of usage

He is a great teammate, always supporting and encouraging others.
Our team won the championship thanks to the strong bond between teammates.
She is known for being a reliable and hardworking teammate.
The coach praised the teamwork and camaraderie among the teammates.
The teammates celebrated their victory together after a tough match.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culture

Teammate dynamics are analyzed in team sports, showing how cooperation can enhance performance and enjoyment.
Many cultures celebrate teamwork through festivals or events that promote unity and collaboration, such as group sports competitions.
In some workplaces, being a good teammate is vital for success, with many companies emphasizing team-building exercises.

Psychology

Research shows that having supportive teammates can boost mental well-being and reduce stress levels during challenges.
The concept of 'collective efficacy' suggests that groups with good teamwork feel more competent and achieve better outcomes.
Social identity theory indicates that being part of a team can enhance self-esteem and foster a sense of belonging.

Education

Collaborative learning in classrooms promotes peer interaction, reinforcing the idea of students as teammates in achieving educational goals.
Students engaged in group projects often develop critical interpersonal skills like communication and problem-solving.
Educational sports programs encourage youth to learn the values of teamwork, such as trust and respect for others.

Pop Culture

Famous movie franchises like 'The Avengers' illustrate the importance of teamwork, portraying characters that combine their abilities to defeat common foes.
In video games, many cooperative games emphasize forming teams that rely on each member’s unique skills, enhancing the concept of camaraderie.
Popular sports teams, like the Chicago Bulls or Manchester United, have cultivated loyal fanbases that celebrate the achievements of their teammates.

Origin of 'teammate'

Main points about word origin

The word 'teammate' is a combination of 'team' and 'mate', where 'team' comes from the Old English 'team', meaning a set of animals harnessed together.
'Mate' has roots in Middle English from 'mat', meaning a companion or friend.
The term began appearing prominently in the U.S. in the early 20th century, particularly in sports contexts.

The word 'teammate' originated in the early 20th century, combining the words 'team' and 'mate'. It gained popularity with the rise of organized sports and teamwork in various fields. The concept of having teammates has been essential in fostering collaboration, camaraderie, and unity among individuals working towards a common goal.