tennis - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
tennis Word Meanings
- a sport played with rackets and a ball
- a game where players hit a ball over a net
- a competitive sport involving two or four players
tennis Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
tennis Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtɛn.ɪs/
US
/ˈtɛn.ɪs/
tennis Word Etymology
tennis = 'tenez' (French for 'to hold') + 'tennis' (Old French). Imagine watching players 'holding' their rackets tightly as they send the ball over the net.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
On the balls of my feet, I shuffle a tiny move toward the baseline, watching the ball pop into view. I shift my weight, raise the racket, and set my eyes on the low, fast arc as it comes over the net. The breath tightens my chest a bit, and I feel the pull of decision as I decide which swing to use. As the rally starts and I push off again, the idea of tennis shifts from a word to a moment of control, and I realize what it means to keep the ball in play.
Real Context
Tennis is a fast-paced racket sport played on a rectangular court with a net in the middle. Players use strung rackets to hit a yellow or white ball back and forth, trying to keep it in play and force the opponent into a mistake. The game can be played one-on-one or in doubles, and matches can last from a few minutes to several hours depending on the format. Tennis emphasizes agility, footwork, shot variety, and mental focus. It has a long professional history with famous tournaments such as the Grand Slam events—the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. People play for recreation, fitness, or competition, and tennis is enjoyed worldwide.
Usage Reminders
- Use 'play tennis' rather than 'make tennis' or 'do tennis'.
- Tennis is uncountable in English; you say 'play tennis' (not 'a tennis').
- Talk about a 'tennis match', 'tennis court', or 'tennis racket'.
- Differentiate tennis from related racquet sports like badminton or table tennis.
- Use accurate score terms (love, fifteen, thirty, forty) when describing rallies.
Common Misconceptions
- Tennis is the same as table tennis (ping-pong).
- You always have to serve underhand.
- The ball is always yellow and it never changes color.
- Only tall players can be good at tennis.
- Tennis is only played professionally; not a common hobby.
Thinking Differences
Tennis is often framed in English as a sport with specific jargon and set phrases (serve, rally, ace, break, deuce). Learners tend to overgeneralize action verbs or misplace sport nouns in other contexts. Focus on collocations like 'play tennis', 'tennis match', and 'tennis court' to sound natural.
Learning Tips
- Learn the common collocations: play tennis, tennis court, tennis match, tennis player.
- Remember tennis is uncountable in English; you usually say 'play tennis' (not 'a tennis').
- Practice pronunciation: TENNIS with emphasis on the first syllable.
- Watch matches with subtitles to hear how players describe rallies and terms.
- Use flashcards for key terms: serve, forehand, backhand, volley.
- Write a few sentences about your own tennis routine to reinforce usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'tennis' mean?
A.a type of fruit
B.a sport played with a bat and ball
C.a method of cooking
D.a type of dance
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'tennis' correctly?
A.She likes to play tennis in the swimming pool.
B.I bought a tennis racket to play soccer.
C.He enjoys watching tennis matches on TV.
D.They practice tennis with a basketball.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'tennis'?
A.basketball
B.volleyball
C.guitar
D.golf
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'tennis'?
A.swimming
B.reading
C.soccer
D.running
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context related to 'tennis'?
A.Watching a movie at the cinema.
B.Cooking dinner for the family.
C.Playing a match with friends at the local court.
D.Going shopping for groceries.
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