Beat
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Definitions
- Verb: To strike repeatedly, especially with something hard or forceful.
- Verb: To defeat or overcome (someone or something).
- Verb: To move in a rhythmic way, typically in music (e.g., to beat time).
- Noun: A rhythmic unit in music.
- Noun: A regular pulse or rhythm.
Usage Examples
- "She beat the drum in a steady rhythm."
- "The boxer beat his opponent in the final round."
- "The heart was beating fast after the sprint."
- "They set a new beat record in the competition."
Etymology
The word "beat" originates from the Old English "beatan," meaning "to strike" or "to beat." The verb form has been used since the early medieval period to describe striking or hitting something repeatedly, while the musical sense emerged later as people began using "beat" to refer to the regular rhythms in music. The noun "beat," meaning a rhythmic unit or pulse, came from the concept of repetition in both music and physical action.
Synonyms
- Strike
- Pound
- Hit
- Defeat
- Conquer
- Smash
- Thump
Antonyms
- Unite
- Join
- Defend
- Assist
- Help
Translations
| Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
| Spanish | Pegar | /peˈɣar/ |
| French | Frapper | /fʁa.pe/ |
| German | Schlagen | /ʃlaːɡn̩/ |
| Italian | Picchiare | /pikˈkjaːre/ |
| Portuguese | Bater | /baˈteɾ/ |
| Russian | Бить (Bit') | /bʲitʲ/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 打 (Dǎ) | /da˨˩/ |
| Japanese | 叩く (Tataku) | /tɑˈtɑkʊ/ |
| Korean | 때리다 (Ttaerida) | /t͈ɛːɾiːda/ |
| Arabic | ضرب (Darb) | /dɑɾb/ |
| Hindi | मारना (Mārnā) | /maːɾˈnaː/ |
| Bengali | পেটানো (Pēṭānō) | /ˈpeːʈaːno/ |
| Telugu | చంపడం (Champaḍaṁ) | /t͡ʃʌmpʌɖɯːɳ/ |
| Tamil | தட்டுதல் (Taṭṭutal) | /ˈtɐʈːuːtɐl/ |
| Malayalam | ചതക്കുക (Chathakkuka) | /t͡ʃɐtːɐkːuːka/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In American English, the word "beat" is often pronounced with a clear "ee" sound, while in British English, the pronunciation may soften slightly. In some dialects of English, such as those in parts of Australia, "beat" may be pronounced with a more clipped "ea" sound.
Historical Usage
The verb "beat" has been in use since Old English, primarily referring to striking or hitting something. Over time, the meaning expanded to include overcoming or defeating, especially in the context of competition. In music, "beat" has been used since the 17th century to describe the rhythmic units in compositions. The evolution of the word reflects both physical and abstract concepts, such as defeating an opponent or maintaining rhythm in music.
Cultural Nuances
The word "beat" is versatile in its use, encompassing a wide range of meanings, from physical actions like hitting or striking to abstract concepts like achieving success or feeling emotional intensity. It is often used in both casual and formal contexts and holds significance in various subcultures, including music, sports, and politics. For example, in music, a "beat" is fundamental to understanding the structure of a piece, while in sports, to "beat" an opponent signifies dominance or superiority.
More Information
The word "beat" is one of the most common and widely used verbs in the English language. It plays a critical role in both daily speech and specialized contexts, such as sports, music, and competitive environments. The flexibility of the word allows it to express everything from physical force to emotional and metaphorical concepts. As a result, "beat" remains one of the most dynamic and essential terms in the language.