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Volley Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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volley

vol-ley

🇺🇸 /ˈvɑɫi/ · 🇬🇧 /vˈɒli/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sport

A game in which two teams hit a ball back and forth over a net using their hands or other body parts.

Synonyms

contest, game, match.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
volley

This term is often used in sports, especially in tennis, volleyball, and soccer, where it describes hitting or kicking the ball before it touches the ground.

  • She scored with a brilliant volley from outside the penalty area.
  • The player celebrated after executing a perfect volley in the tennis match.
game

This is a general term and can be used for any competitive activity that has rules and is played for entertainment, including sports, board games, and video games.

  • We spent the evening playing a board game with friends.
  • The soccer game was thrilling and ended in a tie.
match

Use 'match' specifically when referring to a sports competition between two teams or players, often part of a series or tournament.

  • The football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid was exciting.
  • He trained hard for the upcoming tennis match.
contest

Use this word when referring to a competition, especially one that involves participants striving to win a prize or recognition. It can refer to both sports and non-sports events.

  • He won the poetry contest in his school.
  • The election was a closely fought contest between the two candidates.

Examples of usage

  • The beach volleyball match was intense.
  • She enjoys playing volleyball with her friends after work.
Context #2 | Verb

communication

To send or launch something with great force or intensity.

Synonyms

launch, propel, send.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
volley

Use in sports or military contexts where multiple items are thrown or shot quickly.

  • The tennis player returned the serve with a powerful volley.
  • The soldiers fired a volley of arrows into the sky.
launch

Suitable for describing the beginning of an activity, event, or sending something into the air or space.

  • The company will launch a new product next month.
  • They are planning to launch the satellite tomorrow.
send

Appropriate for general usage when you want to dispatch or transmit something, whether physically or electronically.

  • Please send the documents to my email.
  • She decided to send a gift to her friend overseas.
propel

Used when referring to driving something forward forcefully, often over a distance.

  • The jet engines propel the aircraft at incredible speeds.
  • Her hard work and dedication propelled her to the top of her class.

Examples of usage

  • The protestors volleyed insults at the politician.
  • The team volleyed questions at the press conference.

Translations

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

Quick facts about “volley”

Volley is a 2-syllable noun and verb (vol-ley). It is pronounced /ˈvɑɫi/ in American English and /vˈɒli/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #17,779 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“volley” in sports

  • In tennis, a volley is performed at the net, allowing players to cut off their opponent's shots and maintain pressure.
  • In volleyball, a 'volley' describes the action of keeping the ball in the air, with players often diving and jumping to prevent it from touching the ground.
  • Most sports that involve a ball have a form of volleying, showcasing the technique's versatility across different games.

“volley” in pop culture

  • In the world of movies, famous sports films often showcase tense volley moments that highlight player skill and teamwork.
  • The term 'volley' has been used in music and literature to express quick exchanges of dialogue or ideas, reflecting dynamic interactions.
  • Popular video games featuring sports mechanics often include volleying as a key gameplay element, enhancing their competitiveness.

“volley” in psychology

  • Sports that involve volleying require quick decision-making, as players must anticipate the ball's trajectory and react swiftly.
  • Research shows that playing volley-based games can improve hand-eye coordination and cognitive reflexes, benefiting overall brain function.
  • Team sports with volleying tasks encourage social bonding, as players must communicate effectively to coordinate their plays.

Origin of 'volley'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'voler', meaning 'to fly', making sense since the ball 'flies' through the air.
  • It was first used in English in the early 16th century, primarily in archery where it referred to arrows shot at once.
  • Over time, the meaning expanded into sports, especially tennis and volleyball, to describe a specific action in the game.

The word 'volley' originated from the French word 'volee', which means 'flight' or 'flying'. Originally used in the context of warfare to describe a simultaneous discharge of a number of missiles or firearms, the term later evolved to encompass various sports and communication methods involving rapid and forceful actions.


Rhymes

Volley rhymes with bengali, colly, kali, lolly, molly, nazionale, poly and folly.

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Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,779, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.