umpire
A person whose job is to watch a sports match and make sure that players follow the rules. They are the official judge in sports like tennis, baseball, and cricket.
Examples
3 of 5The umpire stood near the net during the tennis match.
The sports official stood near the net during the tennis game.
The umpire's decision is final and must be accepted by both teams.
The official's judgment is the last word and both teams must follow it.
I can't believe the umpire missed that call!
I am surprised the official did not see that mistake!
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'U' in Umpire as 'Under the net' (in tennis) or 'U' for 'Under the mask' (in baseball).
Quick Quiz
The ___ shouted 'Out!' after the player hit the ball over the line.
Correct!
The correct answer is: umpire
Examples
The umpire stood near the net during the tennis match.
everydayThe sports official stood near the net during the tennis game.
The umpire's decision is final and must be accepted by both teams.
formalThe official's judgment is the last word and both teams must follow it.
I can't believe the umpire missed that call!
informalI am surprised the official did not see that mistake!
The physical placement of the umpire is crucial for observing rule violations.
academicWhere the official stands is very important for seeing when people break rules.
In this negotiation, we need a neutral party to act as an umpire.
businessIn this meeting, we need a middle person to act as a judge.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the umpire's call
the official decision made during a play
to umpire a match
to act as the official for a game
stand as umpire
to take the role of the judge in a dispute
Often Confused With
A referee usually moves around the field (soccer, basketball), while an umpire often stays in a specific spot (tennis, cricket, baseball).
Usage Notes
Use 'umpire' specifically for tennis, cricket, and baseball. For soccer, American football, and basketball, use the word 'referee' instead.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'referee' for all sports, but calling a tennis official a 'referee' is technically incorrect.
Memory Tip
Think of 'U' in Umpire as 'Under the net' (in tennis) or 'U' for 'Under the mask' (in baseball).
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'nonper', meaning 'not equal' or 'not a peer' (the third person who settles a dispute between two equals).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In cricket-loving nations like England and Australia, the umpire is seen as a symbol of 'fair play' and traditional sportsmanship.
Quick Quiz
The ___ shouted 'Out!' after the player hit the ball over the line.
Correct!
The correct answer is: umpire
Related Vocabulary
More Sports words
soccer
A1Soccer is a team sport played with a round ball where two teams of eleven players try to kick the ball into the opposing team's goal. It is the most popular sport in the world and is played on a rectangular grass or turf field.
golf
A1Golf is an outdoor sport played on a large grass course using various metal or wooden clubs to hit a small white ball. The objective is to hit the ball into a series of small holes in as few strokes as possible.
skiing
A1Skiing is the sport or activity of moving over snow on skis, which are long, narrow pieces of wood, metal, or plastic. It is a popular winter activity performed for recreation or in professional competitions on mountains and hills.
net
A1A net is a piece of material made from threads or strings tied together with many small holes in it. In sports, it is used to catch a ball or birdie, such as in tennis or soccer, to indicate a point has been scored or to divide a court.
glove
A1A glove is a piece of clothing that covers your hand and wrist to keep it warm or protect it. Each finger usually has its own separate part, unlike a mitten.
shoe
A1A shoe is a piece of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot. It usually consists of a sole and a covering made of leather, cloth, or synthetic material.
jersey
A1A jersey is a knitted shirt worn by members of a sports team, usually featuring a player's number and name. It also refers to a soft, stretchy sweater or pullover made from wool or cotton fabric.
socks
A1A piece of clothing made of soft material that you wear on your foot inside your shoe. They are usually sold and worn in pairs to keep your feet warm, dry, or comfortable during physical activities.
equipment
A1Equipment refers to the set of tools, clothing, or objects that you need for a specific activity or purpose. In a sports context, it includes things like balls, rackets, helmets, and nets required to play the game.
gear
A1Gear refers to the clothes and equipment used for a specific activity, especially sports or hobbies. It is usually an uncountable noun that describes the collection of things you need to participate in an event.
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