Reading Theme:
Pitch: Meanings, Usage & Examples in English (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：throw forcefully (pitch)
pitch
/pɪtʃ/
v.
To throw something, especially a ball, with force.
throw forcefully
➕
/θroʊ ˈfɔːrsfəli/
v.
To propel an object, typically a ball, through the air with a deliberate and powerful motion of the arm.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'picung', Middle English 'pichen' meaning to thrust in or fix. Related to setting a level or point.
💡 Mnemonic
A PITCHer throws a ball (action) and sets the PITCH or tone of the game (level). Think: throw and set.
📖 Example
In the final moment of the game, she pitched the ball perfectly, striking out the batter.
In the final moment of the game, she threw the ball perfectly, striking out the batter.
🔗 Collocations
pitch a baseball – to throw a baseball in the sport
pitch underhand – to throw with a motion where the hand is below the shoulder
pitch a perfect game – to achieve a baseball game where no opposing player reaches base
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
catch (v.) – to seize and hold something that has been thrown.
🌱 Derivatives
pitcher (n.) – the player in baseball who throws the ball to the batter.
📖 Cultural Story
The word's journey from Old English 'picung' (a thrusting) to Middle English 'pichen' reflects a shift towards setting or fixing in place. This evolution underlies its dual modern core: forceful projection (like a ball) and establishing a fixed point or level (like a price). It's a staple in American sports culture (baseball pitching) and global business (sales pitches).
Meaning 2：toss or lurch (pitch)
pitch
/pɪtʃ/
v.
To move up and down or back and forth, especially in a rough way, like a ship on rough seas.
toss or lurch
➕
/tɒs ɔː lɜːtʃ/
v.
To move or cause to move with a violent, irregular, up-and-down or forward-and-backward motion, typically describing the movement of a vessel on rough water.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The small boat began to pitch violently as the storm waves grew larger.
The small boat began to lurch violently as the storm waves grew larger.
🔗 Collocations
pitch and roll – the combined up-and-down and side-to-side motion of a ship or aircraft.
pitch in heavy seas – to move violently on rough ocean waters.
pitch forward – to lurch or fall suddenly in a forward direction.
🔄 Synonyms
Meaning 3：propose or set (a level) (pitch)
pitch
/pɪtʃ/
v.
To set something at a particular level, like a price, the tone of your voice, or an idea for a project.
propose or set (a level)
➕
/prəˈpəʊz ɔː set ə ˈlevl/
v.
To present or propose something (like an idea, product, or price) for consideration, often with the aim of persuading acceptance. Also, to set something at a particular level, degree, or standard.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The salesman tried to pitch the price a bit lower to make the deal more attractive.
The salesman tried to propose the price a bit lower to make the deal more attractive.
🔗 Collocations
pitch an idea – to present a concept or plan for others to consider.
pitch a product – to attempt to sell or promote a product to someone.
pitch your voice – to set the tone or key of your speaking or singing voice.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
withdraw (v.) – to remove or take back a proposal or offer.
🌱 Derivatives
pitch (n.) – a presentation or sales talk, or the level of a sound.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser