downfield
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdaʊnˌfiːld/
KK: /daʊnˈfiːld/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the area of a sports field that is in the direction of the team's goal or scoring area.
Example
The quarterback threw the ball downfield to his teammate who was open for a touchdown.
Conversation
Did you see that pass to the player downfield?
Yeah, it was perfectly timed!
I think they have a good chance to score from that position.
Absolutely, the defense is really struggling to keep up.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
forward
advancing
progressive
Antonyms
backward
retreating
regressive
adverb
Definition
In or into the area of a field that is closer to the goal the team is trying to reach.
Example
The quarterback threw the ball downfield to his teammate.
Conversation
Did you see that last play where he threw the ball downfield?
Yeah, it was an amazing throw!
I can't believe how quickly he got it downfield.
Root Explanation
Downfield → It is formed from "down" (from Old English "dūn", meaning downward or lower) and "field" (from Old English "feld", meaning open land or field). The word "downfield" refers to a direction or area that is lower in elevation or further down in an open field.
Memory Tip
Think of moving 'downward' ('down') in an 'open area' ('field') — that's what downfield means.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.