Battles

/ˈbætəlz/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A prolonged fight or struggle between opposing forces.

/ˈbætəlz/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A fight between armies or other large groups of people.

The two armies engaged in a fierce battle.

💡 Simply: A big fight.

More Examples

2

She battled her illness with courage.

How It's Used

Military History

"The Battle of Hastings was a pivotal moment in English history."

Fictional Narratives

"The epic fantasy novel depicted a series of brutal battles."

2

To fight or contend vigorously against.

/ˈbætəlz/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To fight or struggle against something.

He battled against the strong currents.

💡 Simply: To fight against.

More Examples

2

They battled for control of the company.

How It's Used

Personal Challenges

"She battled depression for many years."

Competitive Sports

"The boxer battled his opponent for twelve rounds."

Tip:Imagine two people 'battling' it out.

Idioms & expressions

battle it out

To engage in a prolonged and determined struggle.

"They battled it out for the championship title."

From Old French 'bataille', ultimately from Vulgar Latin 'battualia', a plural form meaning 'fights' or 'combats'.

The word 'battle' has been used to describe large-scale armed conflicts since the Middle Ages, evolving from its Old French origins.

Memory tip

Think of 'battling' – the act of fighting in a battle.

battelsbatles

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written