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Tennis Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tennis

[หˆtษ›nษชs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sport

A game in which two or four players strike a ball back and forth over a net using rackets. The objective is to score points by making the ball land in the opponent's court without being returned.

Synonyms

court sport, racket sport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tennis

Same as the first entry, indicating the sport specifically.

  • We had a great time playing tennis this afternoon.
  • The tennis match was exciting to watch.
racket sport

Used when discussing sports that involve rackets, such as tennis, badminton, or squash. Suitable for broader discussions about sports equipment and categories.

  • Tennis and squash are both racket sports.
  • Racket sports require good hand-eye coordination.
court sport

Used to refer to sports that are played on a designated court. Can be used when discussing various sports that share this characteristic, like basketball or volleyball.

  • Tennis is a popular court sport, just like badminton.
  • They are building new facilities to accommodate more court sports.

Examples of usage

  • Playing tennis requires good hand-eye coordination.
  • She practices tennis every day after school.
  • The Wimbledon tennis tournament is one of the most prestigious in the world.
Context #2 | Noun

equipment

A racket sport played on a rectangular court by striking a small ball over a net with a racket.

Synonyms

court sport, racket sport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tennis

This word is best used when referring specifically to the sport itself without any additional context. It is understood globally and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • I love playing tennis on the weekends.
  • She is a professional tennis player.
racket sport

This term is used when you want to emphasize the use of a racket in the sport. It is useful when comparing or discussing multiple sports that require rackets, like badminton or squash, alongside tennis.

  • Tennis, badminton, and squash are all racket sports.
  • She prefers racket sports to ball sports.
court sport

This term is more general and is used when referring to sports played on a court. It is helpful in contexts where you want to group tennis with other similar sports like basketball or volleyball.

  • Basketball and tennis are both court sports.
  • He's really good at court sports.

Examples of usage

  • She bought a new tennis racket for the upcoming tournament.
  • The tennis balls are kept in that yellow container.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To play tennis.

Synonyms

play tennis.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tennis

Also used as an adjective to describe things related to the sport.

  • He bought a new tennis racket
  • She is wearing her tennis shoes
play tennis

Used when describing the action of participating in the sport.

  • Do you want to play tennis this weekend? They play tennis every Sunday

Examples of usage

  • Do you want to tennis this afternoon?

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The game has roots in a medieval French game called 'jeu de paume' that was played with hands before rackets were invented.
  • Modern tennis started in England in the late 19th century, codifying the rules and introducing the game we know today.
  • The first Wimbledon tournament, one of the oldest tennis championships, took place in 1877.

Pop Culture

  • Tennis has been featured in numerous films, including 'Wimbledon' which romanticizes the sport and its players.
  • Famous music artists like Elton John and Billie Jean King have held charity events that mix sports and entertainment, highlighting tennisโ€™s cultural significance.
  • The sport influences fashion, with many players like Serena Williams and Roger Federer known for their stylish outfits on and off the court.

Science

  • Playing tennis can improve cardiovascular health, agility, and coordination due to the rapid movements required.
  • Research shows that the game can enhance mental acuity and strategic thinking because players must anticipate their opponent's moves.
  • The physics of tennis involves concepts like spin, speed, and trajectory, making it an interesting study in motion and aerodynamics.

Psychology

  • Engaging in tennis can boost self-esteem and confidence as players achieve personal and competitive milestones.
  • Playing doubles fosters teamwork and social skills, making it a great bonding activity with friends and family.
  • Studies suggest that the sport can reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health through physical activity and camaraderie.

Literature

  • Tennis often appears as a metaphor in literature, representing competition, conflict, and the dynamics of relationships.
  • Notable authors, such as Virginia Woolf, have referenced tennis to explore themes of social class and personal growth.
  • The sport has inspired various works, including poetry and essays that reflect on its strategic nature and cultural impact.

Origin of 'tennis'

The word 'tennis' originated from the French term 'tenez,' which means 'take, receive.' The modern form of tennis evolved from a medieval game played in France called 'jeu de paume' (game of the palm). It gained popularity in England during the 19th century, leading to the establishment of the rules of modern tennis. Today, tennis is a widely popular sport played and enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

See also: ten, tenancy, tenant, tenure.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,835 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.