Definition

A person who engages in a formal fight with weapons, usually to settle a dispute or defend honor.

Example

The two men were known as skilled duelists, often challenging each other to duels.

Conversation

Did you hear about the famous duelist who challenged everyone in town?

Yeah, I read about that! It sounds like something out of a movie.

I wonder what it’s like to be a duelist in real life.

It must be so intense, but also kind of thrilling!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Duelist → It is formed from "duel" (from Old French *duel*, meaning a fight or combat between two people) and "-ist" (meaning a person who practices or is concerned with something). A duelist is a person who engages in a duel.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'duel' as a fight between two people, and the '-ist' means a person involved in that fight. This helps you remember that a duelist is someone who participates in a duel.

Visually Confused Words