Definition

A type of spin applied to a ball that causes it to rotate backward as it moves forward, often used in sports like tennis or table tennis.

Example

The player used an underspin to make the ball bounce lower and confuse his opponent.

Conversation

Did you see how he used that underspin during the match yesterday?

Yeah, it was impressive! It really made the ball curve.

I thought it was a smart move to keep his opponent guessing.

Definitely! The underspin added a whole new level to the game.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Underspin → It is formed from "under-" (meaning beneath or below) and "spin" (from Old English "spinnan", meaning to twist or turn). The word "underspin" refers to a type of spin applied to a ball that causes it to move in a specific way, typically in sports, suggesting a motion that occurs beneath the normal trajectory.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'beneath' ('under-') and 'twisting' ('spin') — that's how underspin describes a specific type of spin that affects the movement of a ball.

Visually Confused Words