Race Meaning and Definition
Race
Pronunciation
/reɪs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A race is a contest or competition in which participants engage in a physical activity, such as running, swimming, or cycling, often against other competitors, in an effort to achieve the fastest time or complete a distance.
Examples
1. “She sprinted to the finish line, winning the 100-meter dash by a narrow margin.”
2. “The annual marathon attracts runners from all over the world, all striving to set a new personal record.”
Synonyms
1. Competition
2. Contest
3. Event
Antonyms
1. Team sport
2. Collaboration
Additional Information
Most types of races are competitive, and the winner is determined by the first participant to complete the course. However, some races are organized as team events, where a group of individuals work together to complete the course.
Sports administrators govern races, establishing rules and regulations to ensure fairness, safety, and integrity across competitions.
There are various types of races, including track races, distance races, relay races, and obstacle races.
The objective of a race may be to achieve a specific time, complete a predetermined distance, or reach a particular position.
Racing serves as a form of physical competition, encouraging athletes to push their limits, build endurance, and continuously improve their performance.
Races can also be used for fundraising and charity events, where participants raise money for social or environmental causes while engaging in physical activity.
The sport of racing encompasses various disciplines, including running, cycling, swimming, and rowing, each with its unique techniques, strategies, and challenges.
Racing requires mental and physical preparation, as athletes must balance training, nutrition, and recovery to optimize their performance.
Professional and amateur racers often rely on specialized equipment, such as bicycles, running shoes, or swimwear, to enhance their performance and gain a competitive edge.
Given the diversity of racing events, a wide range of skills and abilities are advantageous, including speed, endurance, agility, and tactical thinking.
Etymology
The term “race” originated from the Old French word “ras,” meaning “course” or “distance.”
Over time, the term evolved to include various forms of competition and physical contests.
Usage Notes
In everyday language, “race” is often used to describe competitive events or activities, such as marathons, car races, or horse racing.
The term can also be used figuratively to describe a type of competition or a contest in other domains, like business or education.
Cultural References
The word “race” has been featured in numerous film titles, such as “Space Race,” “The Great Wall of China Race,” and “Rush: A River of Grass” – highlighting its significance in popular culture.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Idioms like “racing against time” and “the race is on” demonstrate the widespread use of the term in idiomatic language.
Collocations
Common collocations include “marathon race,” “10K run,” and “olympic finals.”
Frequency of Use
The word “race” is commonly used in English, particularly in the context of sport and competition, to describe contests and physical activities.
According to the Oxford English Corpus, “race” is one of the top 20 most frequently used nouns in modern English.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of “race” include “rash,” “reach,” and “reis” (a Dutch cognate).