Walkover Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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walkover
[ˈwɔːkˌoʊvər ]
Definition
competition win
A walkover refers to a situation in a competition where one participant wins automatically because the other participant is unable to compete. This can happen for various reasons, including withdrawal, disqualification, or absence. The term is often used in sports, where a team or player may advance to the next round without having to compete in a match. A walkover can also imply a lack of challenge in the competition, suggesting that the winner faced little to no resistance.
Synonyms
bye, default win, uncontested victory.
Examples of usage
- The team received a walkover in the semifinals.
- Due to the injury of her opponent, she had a walkover in the first round.
- The event was so one-sided that it felt like a walkover.
- He advanced to the finals with a walkover, as his opponent did not show up.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In sports, the term is often used when one team or player is dominant, leading to unexciting matches.
- Movies or stories may portray walkovers humorously, where characters expect challenges but face none, enhancing comedic effect.
Psychology
- Experiencing a walkover can lead to a false sense of security, as succeeding without struggle might create unrealistic expectations for future challenges.
- It can result in decreased motivation, as individuals may not prepare thoroughly if they anticipate easy successes.
Education
- In assessment contexts, a 'walkover' for a student could mean an easy test that does not provoke critical thinking, potentially leading to boredom.
- Educators often strive to create balanced challenges that avoid walkover situations to promote genuine learning experiences.
Sports
- In tournaments, a walkover might occur when an athlete cannot compete, automatically giving victory to the opponent without a match.
- Walkovers in sporting events are often met with disappointment, as fans and players expect competitive showdowns.
Origin of 'walkover'
Main points about word origin
- The term originated in the early 19th century from horse racing, referring to a race that is won without any real competition.
- It combines 'walk' (to move on foot) and 'over' (indicating moving across), highlighting the idea of traversing a challenge effortlessly.
The term 'walkover' has its origins in the world of sports, particularly in horse racing and later in various competitive games and sports. The word combines 'walk,' suggesting a casual or easy movement, with 'over,' indicating completion or winning. Historically, walkovers were situations in which a horse or competitor could win simply by completing the challenge without facing any opponent. Over time, the usage of the word expanded to other contexts, emphasizing the ease of victory or the automatic advancement due to an opponent's inability to compete. The term remains prevalent in sports terminology and is often used in discussions about match outcomes, particularly where the competition was minimal or absent.