pitch
UK: pɪtʃ | US: pɪtʃ
n. 1. A sticky, dark substance derived from tar or resin, used for waterproofing or paving.
n. 2. The quality of a sound governed by its frequency (high/low pitch).
n. 3. A playing field or area for sports (e.g., soccer pitch).
vt. 1. To throw or toss something with force.
vt. 2. To set the tone or key of a musical piece.
vt. 3. To present or promote something persuasively (e.g., a sales pitch).
The word "pitch" traces back to Old English pic, derived from Latin pix (meaning "tar" or "resin"). Its original sense referred to the sticky substance used for sealing or coating. Over time, the word expanded metaphorically:
- The musical sense (high/low sound frequency) arose in the 16th century, likening sound "height" to the viscosity of tar.
- The "throwing" meaning (vt.) emerged from the action of hurling something as if it were sticky or weighted.
- The "sports field" usage (chiefly British) may derive from the idea of a leveled or prepared surface, akin to paving with pitch.
The boat was waterproofed with pitch to prevent leaks.
Her voice rose to a high pitch when she was excited.
The soccer match was canceled due to waterlogged pitch conditions.
He pitched the ball straight into the batter’s strike zone.
She delivered a compelling pitch to investors for her startup.