sport
/spɔ:t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- An activity involving physical exertion and skill, often competitive: An organized game or pastime governed by a set of rules.
- A person who behaves in a good-natured way, especially when losing or being teased: Someone who accepts the outcome of a game or a joke cheerfully.
- (Biology) An organism showing a sudden, heritable deviation from type: A plant or animal exhibiting a mutation.
- (Archaic/Formal) Amusement or fun; playful jesting: Something done for enjoyment rather than seriously.
Verb:
- To wear or display something noticeably: To have something on show in a proud or conspicuous way.
- (Archaic) To play or frolic: To engage in lively, energetic play.
Usage and Examples
Noun (Physical Activity):
- Football is a popular team sport.
- She excels in winter sports like skiing.
Noun (Good-natured Person):
- He was a good sport about losing the match.
- Don't be a poor sport; just join in the fun.
Noun (Biology):
- The gardener discovered a white-flowered sport on the rose bush.
Verb (To wear):
- He was sporting a bright new tie at the party.
- She sported a large engagement ring.
Advanced Usage
"In sport": As a joke; not meant seriously.
- He said it only in sport, so please don't be offended.
"To make sport of someone/something": To ridicule or mock.
- It's unkind to make sport of his difficulties.
Variants and Related Words
- Sports (n, plural): Athletic activities collectively. (e.g., )
- Sporting (adj):
- Related to sports. (e.g., a sporting event)
- Showing fair and generous behavior. (e.g., a sporting chance)
- Sporty (adj): Liking or suitable for sport; casual and stylish. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Game (n): A form of competitive activity or sport played according to rules.
- Pastime (n): An activity done for enjoyment.
- Frolic (v): To play and move about cheerfully, excitedly, or energetically.
- Display (v): To show or exhibit.
Phrasal Verbs / Related Constructions
- Sport with (v, archaic): To toy or trifle with something.
- He was accused of sporting with her affections.
Idioms
- A sporting chance: A reasonable chance of success, given fair conditions.
- If we start now, we have a sporting chance of finishing on time.
- The sport of kings: Horse racing.
- He invested heavily in the sport of kings.
Noun
- verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
- he became a figure of fun
- he said it in sport
- (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
- someone who engages in sports
- a person known for the way she (or he) behaves when teased or defeated or subjected to trying circumstances
- a good sport
- a poor sport
- (Maine colloquial) a temporary summer resident of Maine
- the occupation of athletes who compete for pay
- an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
Verb
- play boisterously
- The children frolicked in the garden
- the gamboling lambs in the meadows
- The toddlers romped in the playroom
- wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner
- she was sporting a new hat