match

[mætʃ]

match Definition

• 1. a small stick made of wood or cardboard that is used to light a fire
• 2. a contest in which people or teams compete against each other in a particular sport
• 3. a person or thing that is equal to another in some way

Using match: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "match" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I can't find the matches to light the candles.

• Example

  The football match was exciting to watch.

• Example

  She is a good match for him in terms of personality.

• Example

  The two paintings are a perfect match for each other.

match Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for match

• game
• competition
• contest
• equal
• peer

Antonyms for match

• mismatch
• unequal

Idioms Using match

• go up in flames/smoke

  to fail or be destroyed completely

  Example

  Their plans for the business went up in flames when they lost their funding.

• a tall order

  a task or goal that is difficult to achieve

  Example

  Finishing the project by tomorrow is a tall order, but we'll do our best.

• a perfect storm

  a combination of events that leads to a particularly bad outcome

  Example

  The company faced a perfect storm of financial problems and legal issues.

Phrases with match

• make a match

  to arrange for two people to get married or start a romantic relationship

  Example

  Her parents made a match for her with a wealthy businessman.

• a perfect match

  two things that are identical or very similar

  Example

  The curtains are a perfect match for the sofa.

• a mismatch

  two things that are not suitable for each other

  Example

  The shirt and tie he wore were a complete mismatch.

Origins of match

from Old English 'gemæcca', meaning 'mate, companion'

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Summary: match in Brief

The term 'match' [mætʃ] has multiple meanings. It can refer to a small stick used to light a fire, a contest in sports, or a person or thing that is equal to another. Examples include 'I can't find the matches to light the candles,' 'The football match was exciting to watch,' and 'She is a good match for him in terms of personality.' Phrases like 'make a match' and idioms like 'go up in flames/smoke' add to the versatility of the word.