medal
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈmɛdəl/
KK: /ˈmɛdəl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To win a medal in a competition, especially in sports.
Example
She hopes to medal in the upcoming Olympics.
Tense Forms
Past: medaled
Past Participle: medaled
Conversation
Did you hear that our team managed to medal in the last competition?
No way! That’s amazing! What place did we get?
We got the silver medal, which is a huge achievement for us.
That’s incredible! I knew we could do it!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
place
score
achieve
Antonyms
fail
lose
miss
noun
Definition
A flat, often round piece of metal that is given as an award or to remember a special event or person.
Example
She won a gold medal in the Olympics for her outstanding performance in swimming.
Conversation
Did you see the athlete who won that gold medal at the Olympics?
Yeah, it was incredible! They worked so hard for it.
I can't imagine the feeling of standing on the podium with a medal around your neck.
transitive verb
Definition
To give a medal as an award to someone for their achievements or accomplishments.
Example
The committee decided to medal the athlete for her outstanding performance in the competition.
Tense Forms
Past: medaled
Past Participle: medaled
Conversation
Did you hear they medaled at the championship last weekend?
Yeah, I saw the highlights! It was an amazing game.
I can't believe they actually medaled against such tough teams.
Root Explanation
Medal → It originates from the Latin word 'medalia' (meaning a coin or a piece of metal), which is derived from 'medius' (meaning middle). The word 'medal' refers to a piece of metal, often circular, that is awarded for achievement, symbolizing a middle ground of recognition.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'piece of metal' ('medalia') that represents an achievement — that's why a medal is awarded for accomplishments.
Visually Confused Words
medial
meal
medusal
medical
pedal
modal
metal
mesal