Toss: meaning, definitions and examples

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toss

[tɒs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in sports

To throw something lightly or casually. Can also refer to flipping a coin to make a decision.

Synonyms

fling, flip, pitch, throw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toss	Used for light, casual, or spontaneous actions, often with objects that aren't heavy. It's often used in informal contexts. He tossed the keys to his friend She tossed a coin to decide the winner
throw	A general term for propelling something through the air. It is neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts. She threw the ball to her dog He threw his jacket onto the chair
fling	Conveys a forceful or hasty action and can sometimes imply carelessness or anger. It is more intense than 'toss'. He flung the book across the room out of frustration She flung her arms around him in relief
pitch	Often used in the context of sports, particularly baseball. It implies a strategic, controlled throw. The pitcher pitched the ball perfectly He pitched his idea to the investors
flip	Refers to a quick, light action with an element of rotation or turning over, commonly for small objects. He flipped the pancake in the pan She flipped the page to continue reading

Examples of usage

He tossed the ball to his teammate.
Let's toss a coin to see who goes first.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A throwing or flipping action, often used in casual games or decisions.

Synonyms

flip, throw, toss-up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toss	Used when gently throwing something, usually in a casual way or when the object is light. I tossed the keys to him She tossed the salad with some dressing
throw	Used when propelling something with force, typically in a general context or for heavier objects. She threw the ball to her friend He threw the stone into the river
flip	Used when turning something over quickly or when referring to a coin toss to make a decision. He flipped the card to reveal the ace of spades Let's flip a coin to decide who goes first
toss-up	Used to describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain, often because it's equally likely to go either way. The game was a toss-up until the very end It's a toss-up whether he'll arrive on time or not

Examples of usage

She won the toss and chose to serve first in the game.
The toss of the coin determined the winner.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'toss' comes from the Middle English word 'tosse,' which means to throw or to toss.
It can be traced back to the Old Norse word 'tossa,' meaning to throw or to tumble.
Originally associated with various throwing techniques, it has evolved in its usage over centuries.

Sports

In sports like baseball, a 'toss' can refer to a short, underhand throw to a teammate, used for practice or to warm up.
Basketball players often practice their tosses to improve accuracy when shooting hoops.
In football (soccer), players might do a 'throw-in' when the ball goes out of play, essentially a controlled toss to their teammates.

Culture

In many cultures, tossing coins is a common way to make decisions, such as in games or during ceremonies.
The phrase 'tossing a salad' means mixing the ingredients together, showcasing the word's application in cooking and food preparation.
Traditionally, tossing confetti or rice at weddings symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the newlywed couple.

Psychology

The act of tossing can symbolize letting go, such as when you toss an object away that you no longer need.
In games, tossing helps to develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination, important for child development.
Some studies suggest that playful tossing activities reduce stress and improve social interaction among peers.

Translations

Translations of the word "toss" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jogar

🇮🇳 फेंकना

🇩🇪 werfen

🇮🇩 melempar

🇺🇦 кидати

🇵🇱 rzucać

🇯🇵 投げる (なげる)

🇫🇷 jeter

🇪🇸 tirar

🇹🇷 atmak

🇰🇷 던지다

🇸🇦 رمي (ramy)

🇨🇿 házet

🇸🇰 hádzať

🇨🇳 扔 (rēng)

🇸🇮 vreči

🇮🇸 kasta

🇰🇿 лақтыру

🇬🇪 გადაგდება (gadagdeba)

🇦🇿 atmaq

🇲🇽 tirar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,034, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12037 breeder
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