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Wrestle: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：physical wrestling (wrestle)

wrestle 🔊

/ˈrɛsəl/

A sport where two people try to throw each other to the ground, or to move and fight with someone in a close, physical way.

Two athletes wrestling on a gym mat in a physical struggle

physical wrestling 🔊

➕

/ˈfɪzɪkəl ˈrɛslɪŋ/

A sport or activity where two people engage in close combat, trying to throw or pin each other to the ground using physical strength and technique.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'wræstlian' (to wrestle), akin to 'wrīðan' (to twist).

💡 Mnemonic

A 'restless' wrestler twists and turns; 'wrestle' captures that restless twist.

📖 Example

The kids love to wrestle on the soft mat in their gym class. 🔊 The kids love to wrestle on the soft mat in their gym class.

🔗 Collocations

wrestle with someone – to physically fight or compete in wrestling against a person

wrestle to the ground – to force someone down onto the ground through wrestling

wrestle for control – to struggle physically to gain dominance over an opponent

🔄 Synonyms

grapple (v.) – to engage in a close physical struggle, often involving gripping and holding

tussle (v.) – to fight or struggle roughly, especially in a playful or disorganized way

scuffle (v.) – to fight or struggle in a confused, rough manner, often briefly

🚫 Antonyms

cooperate (v.) – to work together harmoniously towards a common goal

yield (v.) – to give way or surrender without physical resistance

avoid (v.) – to keep away from physical confrontation or struggle

🌱 Derivatives

wrestler (n.) – a person who participates in the sport of wrestling

wrestling (n.) – the sport or activity of wrestling

wrestle (n.) – a physical struggle or contest

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'wrestle' comes from Old English *wræstlian*, derived from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'to twist'. It has been used for physical combat since ancient times, and metaphorically for mental struggles since the 16th century.

Meaning 2：wrestle with a problem (wrestle)

wrestle 🔊

/ˈrɛsəl/

To try very hard to deal with a difficult problem, make a decision, or control a strong feeling.

Student wrestling with a difficult problem at a desk

wrestle with a problem 🔊

➕

/ˈrɛsəl wɪð ə ˈprɑbləm/

To make a strenuous mental effort to solve a difficult problem, make a tough decision, or control a strong emotion.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

I had to wrestle with a really tricky math problem for over an hour before I finally solved it. 🔊 I had to wrestle with a really tricky math problem for over an hour before I finally solved it.

🔗 Collocations

wrestle with a decision – to struggle mentally to choose between options

wrestle with doubt – to fight against feelings of uncertainty or disbelief

wrestle with an issue – to try hard to resolve a complex or challenging matter

🔄 Synonyms

struggle (v.) – to exert great effort to overcome a difficulty or achieve something

contend (v.) – to strive in opposition or against difficulties

grapple (v.) – to attempt to deal with or understand a difficult problem

🚫 Antonyms

embrace (v.) – to accept willingly and without effort

resolve easily (phr.) – to find a solution quickly without struggle

ignore (v.) – to refuse to pay attention to a problem, avoiding mental effort

🌱 Derivatives

wrestler (n.) – a person who struggles with problems (metaphorical use)

wrestling (n.) – the mental struggle or effort involved in dealing with a challenge

wrestle (n.) – a difficult mental struggle or effort