Match
/mætʃ/
nounverbA2
Definition
As a noun, a match is an event where two sides compete to see who is better, like in sports or games. As a verb, to match means to be the same or similar in some way, or to pair two things that fit well together. It can also mean to find something that is equal or similar to another thing.
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See It in Action
A contest or game between two teams or players
- •The soccer match will start at 3 p.m.
- •They watched the tennis match on TV.
- •Our team won the match by two points.
To be equal or similar to something
- •Her shoes match her dress perfectly.
- •The curtains match the color of the walls.
- •The answer must match the question exactly.
To pair or connect things that go well together
- •He tried to match the paint color to the old wall.
- •The necklace matches the earrings nicely.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "match" like "game" (A1 word) when it means a contest, but it also means "same" or "pair" when used as a verb.
- ✓Picture two players in a soccer match, each trying to score goals and win.
- ✓It's the feeling when you find clothes that look good together or colors that go well.
- ✓Sounds like "match" → imagine two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together.
- ✓Think of a dating app where people try to find their perfect match, someone similar or compatible.
- ✓NOT like "fight" (which is a conflict), a "match" is a fair competition with rules.
- ✓NOT like "copy" (which means exactly the same), "match" means similar or equal but not always identical.
- ✓NOT like "mix" (which blends things), "match" pairs things that look good or are equal.
Try Other Words
- •Contest: a competition between people or teams (Use when emphasizing the competitive part)
- •Pair: two things that go well together (Use when talking about matching objects or colors)
- •Equal: being the same in size, amount, or quality (Use when focusing on similarity or sameness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) — simple root word "match"
- •Etymology: From Old English "mæcca," meaning a mate, companion, or equal
- •Historical development: Originally meant a partner or companion, later used for competitions and pairing things
- •Modern usage: Used for sports contests, pairing objects, and showing similarity or equality
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide if two things match well, like clothes or colors?
•Can a match be both a competition and a pair? How do these meanings connect in your mind?
Fill in the blanks
1.The soccer match was exciting because both teams played ___ well and scored many goals.
2.Her scarf matches her coat ___, so she looks very stylish.
3.In a tennis match, players try to ___ each other's skill to win.
4.The colors of the curtains and walls must ___ so the room looks nice.
5.After the match, the players shook hands to show ___ and respect.
6.When two people are a good match, they often have ___ interests or values.
7.The referee stopped the match because the players were not playing ___ the rules.