match
match
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "match" is /mætʃ/.
/mætʃ/
Word Form Variations
Noun: match (singular), matches (plural)
Verb: match (base form), matches (third person singular present), matching (present participle), matched (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: matching (present participle used adjectivally), matched (past participle used adjectivally)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A small stick of wood or cardboard tipped with a chemical substance that ignites when rubbed on a rough surface, used for lighting fires.
Synonyms: lucifer (archaic), fuse (in some contexts for ignition)
Antonyms: extinguisher (as a contrast to fire-starting), lighter (as an alternative tool)
Definition 2: A contest in which people or teams compete against each other.
Synonyms: contest, game, competition, bout, fixture, duel, encounter
Antonyms: cooperation, agreement, collaboration, truce
Definition 3: A person or thing that is equal or similar to another, or that combines well with another.
Synonyms: equivalent, peer, counterpart, equal, complement, pair
Antonyms: mismatch, unequal, opposite, contrast, disparity
Definition 4: A person considered as a suitable partner in marriage, romance, or companionship.
Synonyms: partner, spouse (potential), consort, mate, suitor (if seeking)
Antonyms: rival, opponent, incompatible (person)
Verb
Definition 1: To correspond or be equal in quality, amount, or extent.
Synonyms: correspond, tally, agree, equate, coincide, harmonize
Antonyms: mismatch, conflict, disagree, differ, contradict
Definition 2: To be similar or suitable in appearance, color, or character.
Synonyms: complement, coordinate, blend, suit, fit, go with
Antonyms: clash, contrast, mismatch, jar (with)
Definition 3: To put (two people or things) together as corresponding or equal.
Synonyms: pair, unite, combine, join, couple, marry (figurative)
Antonyms: separate, divide, disassociate, unmatch
Definition 4: To compete against (someone or something) in a contest.
Synonyms: compete against, rival, contend with, oppose, play against
Antonyms: cooperate with, surrender to, yield to
Definition 5: To find a person or thing that corresponds to or is identical with another.
Synonyms: find, identify, locate, verify, equate
Antonyms: miss, overlook, misidentify, distinguish
Adjective (Present Participle 'matching' and Past Participle 'matched' used adjectivally)
Matching (Adjective): Forming a pair or set with another item or items; corresponding.
Synonyms: complementary, coordinating, harmonious, identical (if same), twin
Antonyms: clashing, contrasting, disparate, mismatched, incompatible
Matched (Adjective): Having been paired or brought together; comparable in quality or ability.
Synonyms: paired, coupled, comparable, equivalent, equal, suited
Antonyms: unmatched, disparate, unequal, unsuited, incompatible
Examples of Use
Books:
"He struck a wooden match against the rough stone, the sudden flare illuminating his determined face." (Fictional example from a survival or adventure novel)
"The detective found a fingerprint that didn't match any in the database, a crucial lead in the cold case." (Fictional example from a crime thriller)
"The author's intricate prose found a perfect match in the illustrator's ethereal artwork." (From a literary review or art history book)
Newspapers:
"The Harambee Stars secured a thrilling 2-1 victory in their crucial World Cup qualifying match yesterday." ("The Standard Sports,")
"Experts warn that job skills need to match industry demands to address rising unemployment." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"Police used DNA evidence to match the suspect to the crime scene, leading to an arrest." ("Daily Nation,")
Online Publications:
"Find your perfect travel buddy: Our algorithm helps you match with like-minded adventurers." (A feature on a travel social networking site, e.g., "Wanderful,")
"How to choose curtains that match your living room decor: A comprehensive guide." (An article on a home improvement blog, e.g., "Houzz.com,")
"The gaming community eagerly awaits the highly anticipated eSports match between the two rival teams." (A news update on a gaming website, e.g., "IGN,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I love the smell of napalm in the morning... smells like victory." (Robert Duvall as Lt. Colonel Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, 1979) - The intensity described here is a "match" for pure triumph. (Metaphorical)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must create a dish that's a perfect flavor match for this rare wine." (Instructions on a cooking competition show, e.g., MasterChef)
Song Lyrics: "We were a match made in heaven, a love so true, destined to be." (From a romantic pop song)
Video Games: "You've successfully found a match for your online multiplayer game!" (In-game notification for finding opponents, e.g., Valorant)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we match wits with a renowned philosopher, debating the ethics of artificial intelligence." (A podcast host introducing a debate, e.g., "The Partially Examined Life")
General Public Discourse:
"Do you have a light? I need a match." (A common request for fire)
"Her shoes don't really match her dress, do they?" (A casual observation about fashion)
"I think they're a perfect match; they're so happy together." (Commenting on a romantic relationship)
"Did you watch the football match yesterday? It was intense!" (A common question about sports)
"I can't seem to match these socks; I keep losing one!" (A common complaint about laundry)
"That joke doesn't match your usual sense of humor." (Commenting on someone's behavior)
10 Famous Quotes Using Match
"Big matches are won by players who have the courage to take the big shots." – Billie Jean King
"Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs… a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes, a sea nourished with lovers’ tears… What is it else? A madness most discreet, a choking gall, and a preserving sweet." – William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (on the match of love)
"The match between your potential and the world’s need is where your destiny lies." – Frederick Buechner
"It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up — and come back for the next match." – Vince Lombardi
"You can’t match people to jobs, you must match people to purpose." – Simon Sinek
"Marriage is a match made in heaven — but so are thunder and lightning." – Clint Eastwood
"Find a purpose that’s a good match for your passion, and success becomes inevitable." – Tony Robbins
"A match may start a fire, but it’s the wind that spreads the flames." – African Proverb
"It’s not always the strongest team that wins the match — it’s the one that plays best together." – Johan Cruyff
"Your vibe attracts your tribe — match your energy with what you seek." – Gabrielle Bernstein
Etymology
The word "match" has a fascinating double origin in English, giving it two very different sets of meanings!
"Match" as in a contest/game or an equal/suitable pair:
This comes from the Old English word mæcca.
Mæcca meant "companion," "mate," "equal," or "one of a pair." It was used to describe something that "matched" something else in quality or suitability.
The first known use of "match" in English with this sense of "an equal" or "a suitable companion/partner" dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period).
From this, the meaning of "a contest between equals" (a "match" in sports) developed later, around the 15th century.
"Match" as in a stick for lighting fires:
This comes from a completely different source, the Old French word meche.
Meche meant "wick (of a lamp or candle)" or "a twisted thread used for a slow-burning fuse."
This Old French word likely derived from the Latin word myxa, referring to a "lamp nozzle" or "wick."
When "match" first appeared in English with this meaning, around the late 14th century, it referred to a "slow-burning wick" or "cord prepared to hold a spark" (like a fuse for gunpowder).
The modern "friction match" (the small stick you strike to light) was invented much later, in the early 19th century, but took its name from the older sense of a prepared igniting cord.
So, while they sound and are spelled identically, a "football match" and a "box of matches" have entirely separate family trees in the history of English words!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Match
A perfect match: Two people or things that are ideally suited for each other.
Made in heaven: (Often describes a perfect match, especially romantic) Perfectly suited or destined.
To strike a match: To light a match.
To meet one's match: To encounter someone of equal or superior ability, especially in competition.
Match point: The point at which a player or team can win a match.
Matchmaker: A person who tries to arrange marriages or relationships for others.
Match fit: (Sports) In good physical condition to play in a match.
Match wits: To compete intellectually with someone.
Match set and go!: (Original, combining elements of "ready, set, go" with "match" for a competitive start)
To light a fire: To ignite enthusiasm or activity. (Synonymous with the action of a "match")
To find one's equal: To discover someone who is on the same level of ability. (Synonym for "meet one's match")
To hold a candle to: To be significantly inferior to someone or something. (Often used in negative, implying "not a match for")
A good pairing: A suitable combination of two things or people. (Synonym for "good match")
To settle the score: To decide the outcome of a rivalry. (Related to a "match" or contest)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of match from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
