champion
B1 (Common)Neutral (used across formal, informal, spoken, and written contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A person, team, or animal that has defeated all rivals in a competition, tournament, or contest, and is officially recognized as first or best.
A person who vigorously supports, defends, or fights for a cause, another person, or a principle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun can refer to a winner in sports/games, but also metaphorically to a defender of a cause. As a verb, it means to support or defend. As an adjective (informal), it means 'excellent' (chiefly UK/Ireland).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The adjective sense meaning 'excellent, splendid' (e.g., 'a champion idea') is primarily British/Irish informal usage, rare in American English. The verb sense is equally used in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the noun carries strong positive connotations of success, excellence, and valor. In the verb, it connotes active, public support.
Frequency
The noun is extremely frequent in sports media in both regions. The adjective usage is a marked regional feature of UK/Ireland.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
champion (something) - as a verbchampion of (a cause/person)champion for (a cause/group)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be a champion of the underdog”
- “a champion's welcome”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a product/method that is top-rated or to an executive who sponsors an internal project ('project champion').
Academic
Used historically ('a champion of rationalism') or in sports science studies.
Everyday
Common in discussing sports, competitions, and people who support causes.
Technical
Specific in boxing/MMA (weight class champion), in marketing (brand champion), or in ecology (keystone species as champion).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She has long championed environmental reforms in Parliament.
- The charity champions the rights of disabled travellers.
American English
- The senator championed the bill for healthcare access.
- He has consistently championed free speech on campus.
adverb
British English
- (Very rare/dialectal) It went champion well, I'd say.
- (Standard use is nearly nonexistent.)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- That was a champion effort from the team!
- 'You fixed it? Champion!' he said with a grin.
American English
- (Rare; if used, may be understood as British borrowing) 'He's a champion bloke,' she remarked, having lived in London.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is the football champion.
- She is a champion of animal rights.
- The defending champion won the match easily.
- Our organisation champions clean energy projects.
- Having emerged as the undisputed champion, her career reached its peak.
- He was an unlikely champion for political reform, given his background.
- The legislation was championed through parliament by a coalition of backbenchers.
- Her tenure as world champion was marked by both dominance and controversy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHAMP holding an ION trophy. A CHAMP-ION is the ionized, top-level champ.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS WAR (defeating rivals), SUPPORT IS PHYSICAL FIGHTING (to champion a cause).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'чемпион', which is a direct cognate but is used almost exclusively for sports winners. In English, 'champion' (verb) does not translate to 'чемпионить'. Use 'защищать/отстаивать/поддерживать'. The adjective sense ('champion day') has no direct equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'champion' as a verb with a person as the object incorrectly (e.g., 'She championed him' is odd; 'She championed his cause' is correct). Overusing the adjective in non-UK contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'champion' commonly used as an informal adjective meaning 'excellent'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it means to actively support, defend, or fight for a cause, idea, or person (e.g., 'to champion human rights').
No, while its primary use is for winners in competitions, it is also commonly used metaphorically for supporters of causes (e.g., 'a champion of the poor').
A 'winner' wins a single contest. A 'champion' is the official top competitor in a league, tournament, or weight class, often holding a title. 'Champion' also carries a more heroic connotation.
It is unusual and potentially ambiguous. The verb typically takes a cause, idea, or policy as its object (e.g., 'She championed his nomination' or 'She championed his cause').
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