match
gb/mˈæt͡ʃ/ us/mˈæt͡ʃ/
A1
English
~ 1700
megfelelő, valakinek/vminek a párja, méltó ellenfél, mérkőzés, meccs, összepárosít, összehangol, gyufa, gyufaszál, megegyezik, felér
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is a match for [someone/something]
She finally met someone who was her match intellectually.
Végre találkozott valakivel, aki szellemileg méltó párja volt.
This team will be no match for the champions.
Ez a csapat nem lesz méltó ellenfele a bajnokoknak.
The software found a match in the database.
Learner examples
He is a match for her in chess.
Sakkban méltó ellenfele neki.
This game is not a match for my skills.
Ez a játék nem méltó a képességeimhez.
I found a match for my lost shoe.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'matching' meaning 'having the same appearance', but here it refers to being equal in some way.
Meaning
A person or thing equal to another
Collocations
perfect match
|good match
|not a match
|find a match
|be a match for
Synonyms
equal (Focuses on being the same in status, value, or ability.)
|
counterpart (Often used for someone in a similar role or position.)
Antonyms
opposite (Something completely different in nature or quality.)
Themes
relationships
|comparison
|sports
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A person or thing that is the same in skill, strength, or quality as another.
A person or thing that is as good, suitable, or similar to another in ability, quality, or characteristics.
NOUN
A2
2
Usage pattern:
a match between [team/person] and [team/person]
The football match ended in a draw.
A futballmérkőzés döntetlennel végződött.
They are preparing for the championship match.
A bajnoki mérkőzésre készülnek.
She won the tennis match in straight sets.
Learner examples
We watched a football match.
Megnéztünk egy futballmeccset.
The match starts at 3 p.m.
A mérkőzés délután 3-kor kezdődik.
They won the match yesterday.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'match' with 'game' in American English, where 'game' is used more often for certain sports like basketball.
Meaning
A sports contest between opponents
Collocations
football match
|tennis match
|match winner
|match point
Synonyms
game (More general term for any play activity; not always competitive.)
|
contest (Can refer to non-sport competitions as well.)
Antonyms
practice (Training session without competition.)
Themes
sports
|competition
|arts_entertainment
Definition
A game between two people or teams to decide who wins.
A game or contest in which people or teams compete against each other, especially in sports.
VERB
A2
3
összepárosít
B2
összehangol
B2
Usage pattern:
to match [something] with [something]
She matched her shoes with her handbag.
Összehangolta a cipőjét a kézitáskájával.
The charity matches volunteers with suitable projects.
A jótékonysági szervezet az önkénteseket megfelelő projektekkel párosítja össze.
The curtains match the sofa perfectly.
Learner examples
I matched my shirt with my shoes.
Összehangoltam az ingemet a cipőmmel.
They matched two friends for the trip.
A két barátot egymással párosították az útra.
These colors match well.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with 'fit', which refers to size rather than similarity or suitability.
Meaning
To pair things suitably or equally
Collocations
match colors
|match outfits
|match skills
Synonyms
pair (Emphasizes joining two items; may not imply similarity.)
|
coordinate (Often used for arranging colors or styles to look good together.)
Antonyms
mismatch (To pair things that do not go well together.)
Themes
daily life
|fashion
|relationships
|daily_life
Definition
To put two things together because they are the same or look good together.
To put together people or things because they are equal, similar, or go well together.
NOUN
A1
4
He lit a candle with a match.
Gyufával gyújtotta meg a gyertyát.
Always keep matches away from children.
A gyufát mindig tartsd távol a gyerekektől.
She struck a match to light the stove.
Learner examples
He lit the fire with a match.
Gyufával gyújtotta meg a tüzet.
I need a match to light the candle.
Szükségem van egy gyufára, hogy meggyújtsam a gyertyát.
She struck a match and the light came.
Meaning
Small stick for making fire
Collocations
light a match
|strike a match
|box of matches
Synonyms
matchstick (Refers specifically to the stick itself, especially after burning.)
Antonyms
lighter (A reusable device for producing flame.)
Themes
daily life
|safety
|daily_life
Definition
A small stick you use to start a fire by rubbing it on a special surface.
A small wooden or cardboard stick tipped with a chemical that ignites when struck against a rough surface.
VERB
B1
5
megegyezik
B1
felér
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] matches [something] in [quality/amount]
His performance matches hers in every respect.
A teljesítménye minden tekintetben megegyezik az övével.
No one can match her generosity.
Senki sem ér fel a nagylelkűségével.
The wine’s flavor matches its aroma perfectly.
Learner examples
Her speed matches his speed.
Az ő sebessége megegyezik az övével.
This color matches that color.
Ez a szín megegyezik azzal a színnel.
No one can match his power.
Meaning
To be equal in quality or strength
Collocations
match skills
|match performance
Synonyms
equal (Stresses being exactly the same in quality or amount.)
|
rival (Emphasizes competition and ability to compete equally.)
Antonyms
fall short of (To not reach the same level as something else.)
Themes
comparison
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To be the same as something in amount, level, or power.
To be equal to something in quality, amount, degree, or strength.
Grammar
Dictionary form
match
IPA
GB/mˈæt͡ʃ/
US/mˈæt͡ʃ/
Syllables & stress
match (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (match)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: match
- Plural: matches
Verb
- Base: match
- 3rd Person Singular: matches
- Present Participle: matching
- Past: matched
Word family
Forms
matches
noun
matching
verb
matched
verb
Related words
matchbox
noun A2
Negative and opposite forms
mismatch
noun
mismatched
adjective
Advanced or less common
unmatched
adjective
Expressions
light a match
1/lˈaɪt ə mˈæt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
Ignite a fire stick by striking it
To make fire with a small stick by rubbing it on something rough.
Examples
- He lit a match to see in the dark.
- Don’t light a match near the gas stove.
made for each other
1/mˈeɪd fɚ ˈit͡ʃ ˈʌðɚ/
idiom
Perfectly suited pair of people/things
When two people are very good together and seem perfect for each other.
Examples
- They are truly made for each other.
- Those shoes and that dress are made for each other.
meet your match
1/mˈit jˈʊɹ mˈæt͡ʃ/
idiom
Encounter an equal opponent
To find someone who is as good as you and can challenge you.
Examples
- After years of winning easily, he finally met his match.
- I think you’ve met your match this time.
match made in heaven
1/mˈæt͡ʃ mˈeɪd ˈɪn hˈɛvən/
idiom
informal
Extremely compatible pairing
A very good combination of two people or things that work well together.
Examples
- Their partnership is a match made in heaven.
- Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven.
match made in heaven
2/mˈæt͡ʃ mˈeɪd ˈɪn hˈɛvən/
idiom
Perfect combination or partnership
Two people or things that go perfectly together.
Examples
- Their partnership was a match made in heaven.
- Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven.