game
game
Pronunciation
game: /ɡeɪm/
Syllable 1:
/ɡ/ - voiced velar stop
/eɪ/ - diphthong (as in "day")
/m/ - voiced bilabial nasal
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: game
Plural: games
Verb:
Base form: game
Third-person singular present: games
Present participle: gaming
Past simple: gamed
Past participle: gamed
Adjective:
game (no common variations for comparison like comparative/superlative as it's typically used attributively)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
An activity engaged in for amusement, recreation, or competition, typically involving rules and often a winner and loser.
Synonyms: pastime, sport, amusement, recreation, contest, competition, play
Antonyms: work, chore, labor, task
A specific instance or period of playing such an activity.
Synonyms: match, contest, round, set, bout
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a specific instance, but implies the absence of play)
The equipment or apparatus used for playing a particular game.
Synonyms: gear, apparatus, equipment, set
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Wild animals hunted for food or sport.
Synonyms: quarry, prey, hunt, kill
Antonyms: livestock, domestic animals
A plan, strategy, or scheme, often implying trickery or a specific objective.
Synonyms: scheme, plot, strategy, maneuver, ruse, trick
Antonyms: honesty, transparency, straightforwardness
Verb
To play a game, especially a video game.
Synonyms: play, engage, compete (in a game)
Antonyms: abstain, refrain (from playing)
To manipulate a situation or system for one's own advantage, often deceptively.
Synonyms: manipulate, scheme, exploit, trick, hustle
Antonyms: be honest, be transparent, play fair
Adjective
Willing to participate in an activity or to face a challenge; plucky or spirited.
Synonyms: eager, ready, willing, plucky, spirited, brave, courageous
Antonyms: unwilling, hesitant, reluctant, timid, cowardly
Examples of Use
Books:
"Of course, it's a game of high stakes. One wrong move and everything could be lost." (From a fictional thriller, e.g., The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, implying a strategic contest)
"The children invented a new game with sticks and stones, their laughter echoing through the garden." (From a children's book or general fiction, e.g., Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, referring to a playful activity)
Newspapers:
"The national team played a strong game against their rivals, securing a 2-1 victory in the final minutes." (Sports section of a newspaper, e.g., The Daily Nation, referring to a specific match)
"Local hunters reported a good season for game, with a significant increase in deer and pheasant sightings." (Nature/Outdoors section of a newspaper, e.g., The New York Times, referring to hunted animals)
Online Publications:
"Investors are trying to game the system by exploiting loopholes in the new tax regulations." (Financial news website, e.g., Bloomberg.com, referring to manipulating for advantage)
"The latest update for the popular mobile game 'Genshin Impact' introduces new characters and quests." (Gaming news website, e.g., IGN.com, referring to a video game)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Let the games begin!" (Often heard in adventure or fantasy films, e.g., The Hunger Games, referring to a series of contests)
Television Series: "She's always up for a game of poker on Friday nights." (Dialogue in a TV show, e.g., Friends, referring to a card game)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we'll discuss the psychological game played between prosecutors and defense attorneys in high-profile cases." (True crime or legal podcast, referring to a strategic battle of wits)
Music (Song Lyrics): "It's a love game, wanna play?" (From Lady Gaga's song "LoveGame", referring to a romantic pursuit as a contest)
General Public Discourse:
"Are you game for a hike this weekend?" (Casual conversation among friends, referring to willingness to participate)
"He's always trying to play mind games with people." (Everyday conversation, referring to manipulative behavior)
"The politicians are playing a dangerous game with the economy." (Public commentary or debate, referring to a risky strategy)
10 Famous Quotes Using Game
"The game, it's all about control." (From The Wire, character Stringer Bell)
"Life is a game, play it; Life is a challenge, meet it; Life is a dream, realize it; Life is a sacrifice, offer it; Life is love, enjoy it." (Sai Baba)
"It's a funny old game, football." (Jimmy Greaves, often paraphrased)
"The game is afoot!" (Sherlock Holmes in various Arthur Conan Doyle stories, e.g., The Adventure of the Abbey Grange)
"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants. A good scientist has freed himself of concepts and keeps his mind open to what is." (Lao Tzu, a metaphorical quote where "game" can be seen as the journey or process)
"You can't learn in school what the world is going to do next. The world is a different game now." (Walter Cronkite)
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." (William Shakespeare, As You Like It - metaphorical use of "players" in a "game" of life)
"It takes two to play a game." (Proverbial saying)
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." (Pierre de Coubertin)
"The whole game is rigged." (From various political and social commentaries)
Etymology
The word "game" has a pretty old and interesting history! It comes from the Old English word "gamen."
The first known use of "gamen" (which is the ancestor of our modern "game") dates back to the Old English period, which was before the year 1150. At that time, its primary meaning was "joy," "fun," "mirth," "amusement," or "pastime." So, it was more about general enjoyment and having a good time rather than a strict competition.
Think of it like this: if you were having a "gamen," you were essentially having "fun." It could be any activity that brought you pleasure or amusement.
The word "gamen" itself is believed to have come from an even older language called Proto-Germanic, specifically from the word "gamaną". This Proto-Germanic root had meanings like "amusement," "pleasure," and even "people together" or "participation." Some theories suggest it might be a combination of a collective prefix "ga-" (meaning "together") and "mann-" (meaning "man"), implying an activity shared by people.
Over time, as the English language evolved, the meaning of "game" shifted and broadened. By around the 12th century, it started to refer more specifically to a "contest for success or superiority played according to rules," like athletic contests or board games. Later, it also came to mean "wild animals hunted for sport or food."
So, while today "game" can mean many things, its journey started with a simple idea of shared joy and amusement.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Game
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "game":
Ahead of the game: In a more advanced or advantageous position.
A mug's game: An activity or enterprise that is foolish or unprofitable.
Be game for anything: Willing to try anything or participate in any activity.
Big game hunter: A person who hunts large wild animals.
Easy game: Someone or something easily tricked, defeated, or caught.
Fair game: Someone or something that can be legitimately criticized, pursued, or targeted.
Game changer: An event, idea, or procedure that significantly alters the current situation or way of thinking.
Game face: A serious, determined expression adopted when concentrating or competing.
Game plan: A strategy or course of action, especially for achieving a specific objective.
Give the game away: To reveal a secret or a plan, often unintentionally.
No names, no pack drill; it's all part of the game: A phrase implying that some unpleasantness is an accepted part of a particular activity or situation.
On one's A-game: Performing at one's highest level of skill or ability.
Play a waiting game: To delay taking action in order to gain an advantage.
Play a straight game: To act fairly and honestly.
Play mind games: To use psychological tricks to influence or manipulate someone.
Raise one's game: To improve one's performance.
The name of the game: The most important aspect or objective of a situation.
The game is up: A secret plan or deception has been discovered.
Two can play at that game: A warning that one can retaliate in kind.
What's your game?: Asking someone about their intentions or what they are trying to achieve (often in a suspicious way).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of game from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
