Volleyed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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volleyed

[ˈvɒl.iˌeɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sports action

In sports, specifically in tennis and volleyball, 'volleyed' refers to hitting the ball before it touches the ground. This action requires quick reflexes and precise timing, as players must anticipate the ball's trajectory. Volleying is essential for maintaining control of the game and can significantly affect the outcome of a match. It showcases a player's skill and agility, often leading to scoring opportunities.

Synonyms

hit, returned, struck.

Examples of usage

  • She volleyed the ball over the net with precision.
  • The player volleyed a powerful shot, earning a point.
  • He volleyed successfully during the match.
  • To win, they needed to master volleying skills.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In volleyball, the skill of volleying is crucial for keeping the ball in play.
  • Tennis also features volleying, where players hit the ball before it bounces, showcasing quick reflexes and timing.

Military History

  • In military terms, 'volleyed' describes simultaneous firing by a group of soldiers, enhancing the impact of their attack.
  • Historical battles often utilized volleys to create a wall of bullets or arrows, showcasing coordinated efforts in combat.

Literature

  • The term can also be found in poetry, symbolizing the exchange of ideas, where thoughts are volleyed back and forth like a conversation.
  • Writers use the concept of volleying to illustrate dialogue dynamics, capturing the lively back-and-forth nature of discussions among characters.

Psychology

  • In social interactions, ideas can be volleyed during debates, reflecting engagement and the dynamic nature of communication.
  • The back-and-forth exchange known as volleying is vital in creating rapport and understanding in conversations.

Origin of 'volleyed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in the Middle English term 'volleyen', meaning to fly or rise in the air.
  • It is derived from the Old French 'voler', which means to fly, reflecting the action of launching something into the air.

The word 'volleyed' comes from the root 'volley', which itself is derived from the Old French term 'voler', meaning 'to fly' or 'to throw'. This roots back to Latin 'volare', meaning 'to fly', signifying the action of the ball being struck while in the air, as if it is flying. In the context of sports, 'volley' began to be used in the late 19th century to describe the action of hitting a ball before it lands, particularly in tennis. The verb form 'volleyed' marks the past tense and past participle of 'volley', emphasizing an action that has been completed. This characteristic action has since been adopted in various racket and team sports, underscoring its importance in gameplay and technique.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,230, 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.