quarterfinal
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈkwɔːrtərˌfaɪnəl//
KK: /ˈkwɔrtərˌfaɪnəl/
adjective
Definition
Relating to one of the four matches in a tournament where the winners advance to the semifinals.
Example
The team played exceptionally well in the quarterfinal match, securing their place in the semifinals.
Conversation
Did you see the quarterfinal match last night?
Yeah, it was so exciting!
I can't believe they made it to the quarterfinal after such a tough season.
I know, right? It just shows how hard they worked.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
preliminary
elimination
qualifying
Antonyms
final
semifinal
decisive
noun
Definition
A stage in a competition where the last eight participants or teams compete to advance to the semifinals.
Example
The team won their quarterfinal match and moved on to the semifinals.
Conversation
Did you catch the game last night?
Yes! It was so exciting to see them advance to the quarterfinal.
I know, right? I can’t wait to see how they perform in the next quarterfinal match.
Root Explanation
Quarterfinal → It is formed from "quarter" (from Old French *quart*, meaning one-fourth) and "final" (from Latin *finalis*, meaning pertaining to the end). The word "quarterfinal" refers to a match or round that is one-fourth of the way to the final stage of a competition.
Memory Tip
Think of a stage that is one-fourth of the way to the end ('quarter') — that's why a quarterfinal is a round leading to the final.
Visually Confused Words
quaternal
arterial