chess - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
chess Word Meanings
- A two-player board game played on a checkered board with chess pieces such as king, queen, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns.
- A metaphor for strategic thinking and planning ahead, often described as mental chess.
- The community, world, or domain of professional chess players and competitions.
chess Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
chess Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/tʃɛs/
US
/tʃɛs/
chess Word Etymology
Root decomposition: none; root chess denotes the game itself. Historical origin: chess began in India as chaturanga, spread to Persia as shatranj, and entered Europe; the English word chess comes from Old French esches/échecs, with links to Persian shah (king) and the idea of check. Memory image: picture a king on a checkered board gradually surrounded by patient pieces, as if planning a long strategic move.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Chess is a two-player strategy board game played on a checkered board where each side begins with sixteen pieces, including a king and queen, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns. The goal is to checkmate the opponent's king by planning moves that limit the king's escape. Beyond the game itself, chess is widely used as a metaphor for careful thinking, patience, and long-term planning, often described as mental chess in business, politics, or personal life. The chess community spans clubs, schools, online servers, tournaments, and professional circuits, where players study openings, endgames, and tactics to improve performance.
Usage Reminders
- Use chess to talk about strategic thinking; say a move, a tactic, or a blunder; discuss openings and endgames; refer to a chess club or tournament; differentiate chess from other board games.
Common Misconceptions
- Chess is only for geniuses or rich people.
- You need to memorize endless openings to be good.
- Luck plays a big role in chess.
- The queen is the most important piece in every situation.
- Chess and checkers are the same game.
Thinking Differences
In English, chess is often framed as a disciplined, formal pursuit with a culture of clubs, ratings, and organized tournaments; learners may overgeneralize strategic thinking to other activities or misinterpret 'opening' as a literal opening.
Learning Tips
- Learn 5 common openings and their ideas.
- Practice endgames to convert small advantages.
- Watch grandmaster games to see decision-making.
- Label pieces and squares to verbalize plans.
- Play with a timer to build focus and pacing.
- Review each move to spot missed tactics.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses the word 'chess' correctly?
A.She bought some chess from the store.
B.The chess is blooming beautifully in the garden.
C.Let's play a game of chess after dinner.
D.The chess tree is very tall.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'chess'?
A.Baseball
B.Checkers
C.Soccer
D.Basketball
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an opposite of 'chess'?
A.Checkers
B.Puzzle
C.Tennis
D.Scrabble
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you most likely encounter the word 'chess'?
A.At a bakery
B.In a classroom
C.In a swimming pool
D.At a concert
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App