Reading Theme:
Match: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：sports game (match)
match
/mætʃ/
n.
An organized sports game or contest where two people or teams compete against each other.
sports game
➕
/sports geɪm/
n.
An organized competitive event between individuals or teams.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Middle English 'macche' (companion, mate), from Old English 'mæcca' (companion, match).
💡 Mnemonic
Two things that 'match' fit together perfectly, like puzzle pieces or competing teams.
📖 Example
We watched an exciting football match between our school and our biggest rival last Saturday.
We watched an exciting football match between our school and our biggest rival last Saturday.
🔗 Collocations
tennis match – a competitive game of tennis
close match – a game where the competitors are very evenly matched and the score is tight
match point – the point that, if won by a player, will win them the entire match
🔄 Synonyms
game (n.) – a form of play or sport, especially a competitive one according to rules
contest (n.) – an event in which people compete for supremacy in a sport or other activity
competition (n.) – an event or contest in which people take part to establish superiority
🚫 Antonyms
mismatch (n.) – a pairing or combination of things or people that are not well suited to each other
uneven pairing (n.) – a situation where competitors are not equal in skill or strength
🌱 Derivatives
matchless (adj.) – so good that nothing can be compared to it; unequaled
📖 Cultural Story
The 'match' as a fire-starting tool was invented in the 19th century, evolving from early chemical experiments. The 'sports match' meaning developed from the original sense of 'a pairing or equal competitor', perfectly reflecting its competitive nature.
Meaning 2：worthy opponent (match)
match
/mætʃ/
n.
A person or team that is equal to or good enough to compete with another in a game or contest.
worthy opponent
➕
/ˈwɜːrði əˈpoʊnənt/
n.
A person or team that is equal in ability to another, making for a fair and challenging contest.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She finally found her match in the chess competition, someone who could challenge her for hours.
She finally found her match in the chess competition, someone who could challenge her for hours.
🔗 Collocations
find one's match – to meet someone who is as good as or better than oneself in a particular activity
be no match for – to be not as good as someone or something and therefore unable to compete effectively
meet your match – to encounter someone who is as good as or better than you in a contest or skill
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
well-matched (adj.) – equal or similar in ability, strength, or character; a good pair
Meaning 3：small fire stick (match)
match
/mætʃ/
n.
A small wooden stick with a special chemical head that produces fire when rubbed against a rough surface.
small fire stick
➕
/smɔːl ˈfaɪər stɪk/
n.
A short, slender piece of wood or cardboard tipped with a chemical that ignites from friction.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He used a match to light the candles on the birthday cake, making a wish as he did so.
He used a match to light the candles on the birthday cake, making a wish as he did so.
🔗 Collocations
strike a match – to cause a match to ignite by rubbing it against a rough surface
box of matches – a small cardboard box containing matches
match head – the tip of a match containing the ignition compound
🔄 Synonyms
matchstick (n.) – a match, especially one made of wood
lucifer (n.) – an old-fashioned or archaic term for a friction match
igniter (n.) – a device used to start a fire or cause an explosion
🌱 Derivatives
matchbox (n.) – a small box for holding matches
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