Volley Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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volley

[ˈvɒli ]

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.

Interesting Facts

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.

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.

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.


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.