match

UK: mætʃ | US: mætʃ

Definition

  1. n. a contest or game between individuals or teams

  2. n. a stick used for lighting a fire

  3. vt. to pair or correspond in characteristics

  4. vi. to be equal or harmonious

Structure
match <contest, from Old English *gemæcca* (companion)>match <firestick, from Old French *mesche* (wick)>
Etymology

The word "match" has two distinct etymological paths:

  1. Contest/Companion Sense: Derived from Old English gemæcca (mate, companion), evolving to mean a pairing or competition between equals. The logic ties to the idea of "matching" opponents.
  2. Firestick Sense: Borrowed from Old French mesche (wick), later applied to the modern fire-starting tool. The spelling adapted to align with the unrelated English word "match."
Examples

  1. The tennis match lasted three hours.

  2. Strike the match against the box to light it.

  3. Her skills match the job requirements perfectly.

  4. The curtains don’t match the sofa.

  5. They were a good match for each other.