Trifecta Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trifecta

[traษชหˆfษ›ktษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

betting outcome

A trifecta is a type of bet in horse racing where the bettor must predict the first three finishers in the correct order. This bet is considered more challenging than a simpler win or place bet because it requires not only the selection of three horses but also the exact sequencing of their finish. Winning a trifecta can yield significant payouts, making it popular among experienced bettors. It is also a term used outside of horse racing, referring to any situation where three successful outcomes are achieved simultaneously.

Synonyms

threefold, trio, triple.

Examples of usage

  • She won big on a trifecta in the last race.
  • The trifecta of skill, strategy, and luck helped him succeed.
  • He placed a trifecta bet on his favorite horses.
  • Achieving a trifecta in his career made him very successful.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term 'trifecta' is often used in movies and TV shows to describe a perfect combination of characters, plot, and setting.
  • In sports, achieving a trifecta often refers to winning three championships in a row, demonstrating dominance.
  • In politics, a trifecta can refer to one party controlling the governorship and both legislative chambers in a state.

Science

  • In ecology, a trifecta can describe a balanced ecosystem where three species interact to maintain stability.
  • In genetics, a trifecta might refer to a combination of three traits or genes that together influence the outcome of an organism's characteristics.
  • Some researchers use the term in psychology to denote a perfect combination of three techniques that lead to therapeutic success.

Business

  • In marketing, achieving a trifecta means creating a perfect blend of product, price, and promotion for success.
  • Companies often aim for a trifecta in customer satisfaction, quality, and service to enhance their reputation.
  • Strategists use the concept to outline three core strengths that a business must excel in to outperform competitors.

Literature

  • In storytelling, a trifecta often refers to a narrative that successfully combines conflict, character development, and resolution.
  • Many authors strive to create a trifecta of themes, such as love, loss, and discovery, to resonate with readers deeply.
  • Classic literature often showcases a trifecta of protagonists whose differing traits create tension and drive the plot.

Origin of 'trifecta'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'trifecta' comes from horse racing, where it's a bet predicting the first three finishers in a race.
  • It combines 'tri-', meaning three, and 'fecta', derived from the Latin 'facere', which means to do or make.
  • The term became popular in the United States in the early 20th century and has evolved into broader use in various contexts.

The term 'trifecta' originates from the combination of the prefix 'tri-', meaning three, and the Latin term 'fecta', derived from 'facere', meaning 'to do' or 'to make'. It first appeared in the context of horse racing in the United States in the 1970s, reflecting the desire for a more complex betting option that would challenge the knowledge and predictive abilities of gamblers. As the popularity of parimutuel betting grew, the trifecta became a favored choice among bettors who sought higher stakes and the thrill of predicting exact outcomes. Over the years, the meaning of trifecta has expanded to encompass various fields beyond racing, including business and personal achievements, where individuals might refer to achieving a trifecta when they obtain three concurrent successes. This versatile usage underlines the term's evolution from a niche gambling term to a broader cultural reference.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,720, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.