duelist
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who participates in a formal, pre-arranged combat between two individuals, typically fought with deadly weapons to settle a point of honor or resolve a dispute.
Usage
The term "duelist" specifically refers to an individual who engages in the act of dueling. It describes a person's role or identity within the context of this formalized combat. - The famous duelist was known for his impeccable swordsmanship and strict adherence to the code of honor. - In the 18th century, a gentleman might be called a duelist if he had fought in several affairs of honor.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Literary Context: The word is most commonly used in historical, literary, or dramatic contexts to describe characters from periods when dueling was a socially accepted practice.
- The novel's protagonist is a retired duelist haunted by his past.
- Metaphorical Use: It can be used metaphorically to describe someone who engages in any intense, direct, one-on-one rivalry or conflict.
- The two CEOs were duelists in the fierce competition for market share.
Variants and Related Words
- Duellist: The British English spelling of "duelist."
- Duel (noun/verb): The formal combat itself, or the act of engaging in such combat.
- Marksman (noun): While a duelist could be a marksman in a pistol duel, "marksman" is a broader term for a skilled shooter, not specific to formal duels.
Synonyms
- Combatant: A person or group engaged in a fight or contest. (More general)
- Antagonist: An opponent or adversary. (More general, often used in narratives)
- Opponent: A person who competes against or fights another in a contest, game, or argument. (General)
Related Phrases
- To issue a challenge: The formal act of provoking a duel, often done by a duelist.
- The insulted officer issued a challenge, forcing the other man to become a duelist or be branded a coward.
- Field of honor: The designated location for a duel.
- The two duelists met at dawn on the field of honor.
- Second: An assistant or representative who accompanies and advises a duelist, arranging the duel's terms.
- Every prudent duelist chose a trusted friend to act as his second.
Noun
- a person who fights duels