umpires
|um-pire-s|
B1
🇺🇸
/ˈʌmˌpaɪərz/
🇬🇧
/ˈʌmˌpaɪəz/
(umpire)
game official
Etymology
Etymology Information
'umpire' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'noumpere,' where 'non-' meant 'not' and 'per' meant 'equal.'
Historical Evolution
'noumpere' transformed into the modern English word 'umpire' through the loss of the initial 'n' due to misdivision.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a person who is not an equal,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an official in a game.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an official who watches a game or match closely to enforce the rules and arbitrate on matters arising from the play.
The umpires made a controversial call during the game.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42