A competitive sporting event such as a boxing meet, a baseball game, or a cricket match.
"She struck the wooden match against the box's side to light her cigarette in the dim room."
11
A device made of wood or paper, at the tip coated with chemicals that ignite with the friction of being dragged (struck) against a rough dry surface.
In plain English: A match is a small stick that catches fire when you strike it against a rough surface to start a flame.
"The red tie was a perfect match for his suit."
Usage: Use the word match to refer specifically to the small stick used for starting fires, distinct from synonyms like spark or flame. You can say "strike a match" when lighting it, but avoid using it as a verb meaning to pair items together in this specific context.
Verb
1
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
"The two stories don't agree in many details"
"The handwriting checks with the signature on the check"
"The suspect's fingerprints don't match those on the gun"
"The color of her shoes perfectly matched the sofa in the living room."
In plain English: To match means to make something look exactly the same as another thing.
"The red shirt does not match his blue pants."
Usage: Use "match" when two things correspond in quality, appearance, or suitability, such as pairing shoes with an outfit or noting that two stories align on key details. It indicates a harmonious fit rather than a physical collision or competition.
Example Sentences
"The red tie was a perfect match for his suit."noun
"The red socks didn't match my blue shirt."noun
"She chose candles that matched the room's decor."noun
"He pulled out his lucky playing card to see if it would match the pattern on the envelope."noun
"The red shirt does not match his blue pants."verb
The word "match" comes from Old English words meaning companion or mate. It traveled into modern usage to describe items that are similar or paired together.