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volley

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈvɒli/

KK: /ˈvɑli/

intransitive verb
Definition

To hit or strike a ball before it touches the ground, often used in sports like tennis or soccer.


Example

During the match, she managed to volley the ball over the net with great skill.


Tense Forms

Past: volleyed

Past Participle: volleyed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how they volley the ball back and forth during the match?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was impressive! I love watching those quick exchanges.
Sloth A
I wish I could volley like that; it looks so fun.
Sloth B
Practice makes perfect! You should join me next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
strike
launch
fire
Antonyms
cease
halt
stop
noun
Definition

A sudden release or burst of many things at once, often used in sports to describe a shot made before the ball hits the ground.


Example

During the match, she scored a goal with a perfect volley from outside the box.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that amazing volley during the match yesterday?
Sloth B
Yes! It was such a perfect shot before the ball hit the ground.
Sloth A
I can't believe how skilled those players are when they do a volley.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To hit or strike a ball before it touches the ground, often used in sports like tennis, or to release a series of shots or projectiles at once.


Example

He volleyed the tennis ball over the net with great skill.


Tense Forms

Past: volleyed

Past Participle: volleyed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that match yesterday?
Sloth B
Yeah! I loved how they could volley so well.
Sloth A
Right? It’s impressive how they strike the ball before it hits the ground.
Root Explanation

Volley → The word 'volley' originates from the Old French 'voler' (meaning to fly) and is related to the Latin 'volare' (meaning to fly). In the context of sports, it describes a ball being hit before it touches the ground, as if it is flying through the air.

Memory Tip

Imagine a ball 'flying' ('voler') through the air when it is hit before it lands — that's why 'volley' refers to that action.

Visually Confused Words
volery
valley
rolley
colley
vole
Is this page helpful?
Right? It really adds excitement to the game!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
burst
salvo
discharge
Antonyms
silence
calm
stillness
Sloth B
Exactly! It makes the game so much more exciting.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
strike
hit
launch
Antonyms
catch
receive
halt