Won Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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won

[wʌn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The word 'won' is the past tense of the verb 'win,' which means to achieve victory in a contest, competition, or struggle. It implies success or obtaining a desired outcome. 'Won' can refer to various scenarios, such as winning a game, an award, or an argument. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

Synonyms

achieved, conquered, prevailed, succeeded, triumphed.

Examples of usage

  • She won the championship last year.
  • He won a gold medal in the Olympics.
  • They won the debate competition.
  • I won a prize in the raffle.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In many sports, the act of winning has become synonymous with achievement, leading to various awards like trophies and medals.
  • Movies often portray underdog stories where a character who has 'won' faces adversity, showcasing resilience and determination.
  • The concept of winning is deeply rooted in many cultures, often seen as a measure of success and honor.

Psychology

  • Winning can produce a rush of dopamine, which is tied to feelings of happiness and motivation.
  • Studies suggest that the experience of winning can boost confidence, influencing future performance.
  • Conversely, always focusing on winning can lead to anxiety and stress, especially in competitive environments.

Games and Sports

  • In competitive games, strategies often revolve around the goal of winning, which can involve skill, strategy, and teamwork.
  • Esports has seen a surge in popularity, where players and teams 'won' huge tournaments, showing the evolution of what constitutes a 'game.'
  • Various sports, from soccer to chess, have defined 'winning' criteria that can sometimes be subjective, based on the rules established.

Literature

  • In literature, winning can represent larger themes of triumph over adversity, often used to develop character arcs.
  • This idea appears in classic tales, where heroes often face significant challenges before finally achieving victory.
  • Authors use winning not just as a plot device, but as a commentary on society's values related to success and achievement.

Origin of 'won'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Won' comes from the Old English word 'wanian,' which means to defeat or conquer.
  • The past tense form of 'win' began to emerge in Middle English, evolving in usage over centuries.
  • This term reflects a shift in language as winners were celebrated in various cultures.

The word 'won' has its origins in the Old English word 'winnan,' which means 'to strive' or 'to struggle.' This word has a link to the Proto-Germanic root '*winnan,' which also means 'to win or gain.' As the English language evolved, 'winnan' transformed into 'win,' and the past tense form became 'won.' The term 'won' entered common usage around the 15th century. Over the centuries, it has maintained its core meaning of achieving victory or success in various contexts. Today, 'won' is widely used in sports, competitions, and informal situations to denote triumph.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,189, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.