champion
gb/t͡ʃˈæmpiən/ us/t͡ʃˈæmpiən/
A2
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
winner of a competition
A person who wins first place in a game, race, or contest.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is the champion of [competition]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'champion' with 'championship'. The former refers to a person, the latter to the event or title.
Synonyms
winner (A general term for someone who wins; does not necessarily suggest a formal title or ongoing status.)
Antonyms
loser (Refers to someone who did not win in a competition.)
Collocations
world champion
|defending champion
|Olympic champion
|national champion
Themes
sports
|achievement
|competition
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She became the national champion after winning the final match.
- The defending champion will face a tough opponent this year.
- He was crowned world chess champion at the age of 22.
Learner examples
- She is the champion of the race.
- He is the world champion in boxing.
- Our team is the champion this year.
Verb
B2
action
2
support a cause strongly
To speak or act in support of something you believe is right.
Usage pattern:
to champion [cause/idea/person]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'champion' (verb) with 'campaign'—both involve supporting a cause, but 'champion' emphasizes active defense and promotion.
Synonyms
advocate (Often more formal; can refer to legal representation as well as general support.)
Antonyms
oppose (To work against or resist a cause or idea.)
Collocations
champion human rights
|champion the cause
|champion reform
Themes
advocacy
|politics
|social issues
|communication
Examples
- She has long championed the rights of the disabled.
- The senator championed environmental protection laws.
- He champions free speech in every debate.
Learner examples
- She champions equal rights for all people.
- He champions clean energy projects.
- They champion better schools for children.
Noun
B2
entity
3
person who supports a cause
Someone who works hard to help or protect something they believe in.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a champion of [cause/idea]
Synonyms
advocate (Similar meaning; 'advocate' can be more formal or legal.)
Antonyms
opponent (Someone who is against the cause or idea.)
Collocations
champion of justice
|champion of democracy
|champion of women's rights
Themes
advocacy
|social issues
|politics
|communication
Examples
- She is a champion of equal opportunities in education.
- As a champion of free speech, he spoke out against censorship.
- They regard him as a champion of animal welfare.
Learner examples
- She is a champion of children's rights.
- He is a champion of clean water.
- They are champions of peace.
Grammar
Dictionary form
champion
IPA
GB/t͡ʃˈæmpiən/
US/t͡ʃˈæmpiən/
Syllables & stress
cham - pi - on (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cham)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: champion
- Plural: champions
Verb
- Base: champion
- 3rd Person Singular: champions
- Present Participle: championing
- Past: championed
Word family
Forms
champions
noun
championing
verb
championed
verb
Core family
championship
noun B1
Expressions
champion of the underdog
1/t͡ʃˈæmpiən əv ðə ˈʌndɚdˌɔɡ/
fixed phrase
supporter of disadvantaged people
Someone who helps and supports people who have less power or chance to win.
Examples
- He has always been a champion of the underdog, fighting for those without a voice.
- As mayor, she became known as a champion of the underdog.
play the champion
1/plˈeɪ ðə t͡ʃˈæmpiən/
fixed phrase
act like a winner
To act with confidence and grace, like someone who has won.
Examples
- Even in defeat, he played the champion and congratulated his opponent.
- She always plays the champion by showing respect to others.