score
UK: skɔː | US: skɔːr
n. a number or mark representing performance in a test, game, or competition
n. a written or printed piece of music
vt. to gain points or goals in a game or test
vt. to make cuts or notches in a surface
score = scor<cut, notch> + e (silent)
- scor<cut, notch>: Derived from Old Norse skor, meaning "notch" or "incision," originally used to tally counts by carving marks.
- e (silent): A vestigial letter from Middle English spelling conventions.
Etymology Origin:
The word score traces back to Old Norse skor (a notch or tally mark), reflecting its early use in counting (e.g., keeping track of livestock or points by carving lines). By the 14th century, it expanded to mean "twenty" (from counting by twenties, akin to "four score and seven years" in Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address). Later, it acquired musical (from marking measures) and competitive meanings (from tallying points). The silent e is a relic of Middle English spelling.
The final score of the match was 3-2.
She composed a beautiful score for the film.
He scored the winning goal in overtime.
Ancient shepherds would score sticks to count sheep.
The judge gave her a perfect score on the performance.