B2 verb Neutral

challenge

/ˈtʃæl.ɪndʒ/

To question the validity, truth, or authority of something, or to invite someone to take part in a competition or a demanding task. It often involves testing someone's abilities or demanding proof for a statement.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I challenged my brother to a race to the end of the street.

I challenged my brother to a race to the end of the street.

2

The lawyer decided to challenge the witness's version of the events in court.

The lawyer decided to challenge the witness's version of the events in court.

3

You shouldn't challenge him when he's in a bad mood.

You shouldn't challenge him when he's in a bad mood.

Word Family

Noun
challenge
Verb
challenge
Adverb
challengingly
Adjective
challenging
Related
challenger
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Challenger' jet or athlete—they are always pushing limits and testing what is possible.

Quick Quiz

The young scientist decided to _______ the findings of the 20-year-old study.

Correct!

The correct answer is: challenge

Examples

1

I challenged my brother to a race to the end of the street.

everyday

I challenged my brother to a race to the end of the street.

2

The lawyer decided to challenge the witness's version of the events in court.

formal

The lawyer decided to challenge the witness's version of the events in court.

3

You shouldn't challenge him when he's in a bad mood.

informal

You shouldn't challenge him when he's in a bad mood.

4

New evidence has emerged to challenge the existing scientific consensus on climate patterns.

academic

New evidence has emerged to challenge the existing scientific consensus on climate patterns.

5

The CEO encouraged the team to challenge the status quo to find more efficient solutions.

business

The CEO encouraged the team to challenge the status quo to find more efficient solutions.

Word Family

Noun
challenge
Verb
challenge
Adverb
challengingly
Adjective
challenging
Related
challenger

Common Collocations

challenge an assumption to question something taken for granted
challenge authority to question or defy those in power
challenge the status quo to question the current state of affairs
challenge a decision to formally disagree with a ruling
legally challenge to dispute something using the law

Common Phrases

rise to the challenge

to show that you can deal with a difficult situation successfully

accept the challenge

to agree to do something difficult or competitive

formidable challenge

a very difficult task or opponent

Often Confused With

challenge vs oppose

To oppose is to actively work against something, while to challenge is to question its validity or invite a test of skill.

📝

Usage Notes

When used as a verb, it is often followed by a direct object (the thing or person being questioned). In academic writing, it is a key 'reporting verb' used to show disagreement with previous research.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'challenge' with 'to' when questioning an idea (e.g., 'challenge to the theory'), but as a verb, it usually takes a direct object: 'challenge the theory'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Challenger' jet or athlete—they are always pushing limits and testing what is possible.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'chalenge', which originally referred to a 'false accusation' or 'calumny'.

Grammar Patterns

challenge + [object] challenge + [object] + to + [infinitive] passive: be challenged by
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western academic and legal traditions, challenging established ideas is seen as a vital part of critical thinking and progress.

Quick Quiz

The young scientist decided to _______ the findings of the 20-year-old study.

Correct!

The correct answer is: challenge

Related Words

brawl

B2

A noisy, rough, and uncontrolled fight that usually involves several people in a public place. It can refer to the physical struggle itself or the act of participating in such a fight.

brawn

B2

Brawn refers to physical strength and muscular power, especially when contrasted with intelligence or mental ability. It describes the capacity for heavy physical labor and force rather than intellectual or strategic skill.

bray

B2

To bray refers to the loud, harsh, and jarring cry specifically made by a donkey. In a figurative sense, it describes a person speaking or laughing in a similarly loud, unpleasant, or raucous manner.

brazenly

B2

To perform an action in a bold and shameless way, without any attempt to hide it. It usually describes behavior that ignores social norms, rules, or the feelings of others in a defiant manner.

brazenness

B2

The quality of being bold and without shame, often in a way that is considered disrespectful, shocking, or socially unacceptable. It describes a person's behavior when they act improperly or commit a mistake but refuse to show any embarrassment or regret.

brazil

B2

Relating to or originating from the country of Brazil, typically used as an attributive noun in established terms or to describe geopolitical and commercial relationships. While 'Brazilian' is the primary adjective, 'Brazil' functions adjectivally in specific compound phrases like 'Brazil nut'.

bread

B2

A primary food staple made from flour or meal that is moistened, kneaded, and baked. In a broader sociopolitical or academic context, it often symbolizes basic sustenance, livelihood, or the fundamental requirements for human survival.

breadboard

B2

To construct a temporary electronic circuit on a solderless board for testing or prototyping purposes. It involves plugging components into a grid to verify a design's functionality before creating a permanent version.

breadcrumb

B2

In a digital or metaphorical context, this describes a type of secondary navigation or a series of clues that allow a person to track their path or progress. It is most commonly used to describe interface elements that show a user's location within a website hierarchy.

breadfruit

B2

Relating to or consisting of the starchy, tropical fruit of the Artocarpus altilis tree, which has a texture similar to bread when cooked. It describes items, flavors, or products derived from this specific fruit or the tree it grows on.

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