Reading Theme:
Race Meaning: Speed Contest & Ethnic Classification (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：speed contest (race)
race
/reɪs/
n.
A fast competition where people or vehicles try to finish first, like running or driving.
speed contest
➕
/spiːd ˈkɒntest/
n.
A competition where participants try to be the fastest from start to finish, often on foot or in vehicles.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old Norse 'ras' (running) and Italian 'razza' (kind, breed).
💡 Mnemonic
Link 'speed race' and 'human race' to remember both meanings: a contest and a group of people.
📖 Example
The students organized a friendly race in the park to raise money for charity.
The students organized a friendly race in the park to raise money for charity.
🔗 Collocations
win a race – to finish first in a competition of speed
hold a race – to organize and conduct a speed competition
race against time – an effort to finish something before a deadline
🔄 Synonyms
competition (n.) – an event where people try to be the best or fastest
contest (n.) – a formal event where individuals or teams compete
sprint (n.) – a short, fast race
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The competition sense comes from Old Norse 'ras' meaning a rapid run. The ethnic sense entered English via Italian 'razza' in the 16th century, originally referring to lineage or breed. No mythology involved.
Meaning 2：ethnic classification (race)
race
/reɪs/
n.
Groups of people divided by physical traits like skin color or facial features.
ethnic classification
➕
/ˈeθnɪk ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
n.
A categorization of humans based on shared physical or genetic characteristics, such as skin color or facial features.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In our history class, we discuss how race influences culture and traditions around the world.
In our history class, we discuss how race influences culture and traditions around the world.
🔗 Collocations
human race – all people considered as a single group
race relations – the social interactions between different ethnic groups
racial diversity – the presence of multiple ethnic backgrounds within a group
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
individuality (n.) – the quality of being a unique person rather than a member of a group
universality (n.) – the state of applying to all people, regardless of group
🌱 Derivatives
racial (adj.) – relating to race or ethnic groups
racism (n.) – discrimination based on race
multiracial (adj.) – composed of or involving several races
Wordbook
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