Reading Theme:
Marathon: Meaning, Examples and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：long-distance race (Marathon)
Marathon
/ˈmærəθɑːn/
n., adj.
A very long-distance running race, typically 42.195 kilometers or 26.2 miles long.
long-distance race
➕
/lɒŋ ˈdɪstəns reɪs/
n., adj.
A running race of exactly 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles), often held on city streets.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek place name Marathon; modern race commemorates the run of Pheidippides.
💡 Mnemonic
Marathon: 'Mary ran a thon' – imagine Mary running a long, grueling race.
📖 Example
My friend trained for six months to run a marathon and finally crossed the finish line with a big smile.
My friend trained for six months to run a marathon and finally crossed the finish line with a big smile.
🔗 Collocations
run a marathon – participate in a marathon race
marathon runner – a person who runs marathons
marathon training – the process of preparing for a marathon
🔄 Synonyms
race (n.) – a competition of speed
endurance event (n.) – an activity requiring stamina
long-distance run (n.) – a prolonged running event
🌱 Derivatives
marathoner (n.) – a person who runs marathons
marathoning (n.) – the activity of participating in marathons
📖 Cultural Story
The marathon race originates from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce victory, inspiring the modern Olympic event.
Meaning 2：endurance test (Marathon)
Marathon
/ˈmærəθɑːn/
n., adj.
Anything that is very long, difficult, and requires a lot of effort or endurance to complete.
endurance test
➕
/ɪnˈdjʊərəns tɛst/
n., adj.
Any situation or activity that requires sustained effort and patience over a long period.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Preparing for the final exams felt like a marathon of studying, but it was worth it in the end.
Preparing for the final exams felt like a marathon of studying, but it was worth it in the end.
🔗 Collocations
a marathon session – a very long meeting or work period
marathon of tasks – a series of tasks requiring endurance
survive the marathon – to endure through a long, difficult process
🔄 Synonyms
ordeal (n.) – a difficult or painful experience
long haul (n.) – a lengthy and difficult task
endurance event (n.) – an activity that tests stamina
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
marathoner (n.) – a person who endures long tasks
marathoning (n.) – the act of engaging in prolonged effort
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