Battle
/ˈbætəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsA fight or combat, especially between organized armed forces.
/ˈbætəl/
A fight or combat, especially between armies.
The battle was fierce.
💡 Simply: A big fight
More Examples
The soldiers fought bravely in the battle.
How It's Used
"The battle raged for three days."
"She fought a battle against cancer."
To fight or contend against someone or something.
/ˈbætəl/
To fight or contend in a battle.
They battled for hours.
💡 Simply: To fight against
More Examples
He battled with the illness.
How It's Used
"The army battled bravely against the enemy."
"They battled against the odds."
Idioms & expressions
win the battle but lose the war
To achieve a small victory that ultimately does not lead to overall success.
"They won the first round, but ultimately lost the entire contract; they won the battle but lost the war."
From Old French bataille, from Old French batre "to beat, strike", ultimately of Germanic origin.
The word 'battle' has been used in military contexts for centuries, appearing frequently in chronicles and historical accounts of wars.
Memory tip
Think of 'bat' and 'tle' - bats fighting can be a chaotic battle.
Word Origin
"to beat, strike"