kempis
RareDialectal / Archaic / Literary
Definition
Meaning
A regional term for a competitive or struggle-like situation, typically a contest.
Can refer to a spirited competition or fight, often informal or localised; historically refers to a battle of champions or a wrestling match. Also used figuratively for any intense struggle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily found in Northern English and Scottish dialects. Its use in modern standard English is exceedingly rare and likely encountered only in historical texts, poetry, or specific regional contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is virtually unknown in American English. In British English, it survives only in certain Northern dialects and as a historical/literary term.
Connotations
In UK dialect use, it can carry connotations of traditional, rough-and-tumble competition. In a literary context, it may evoke medieval or rustic imagery.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher recognition in the UK due to dialectal remnants.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to have a kempis with someoneto be in a kempis for somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to give someone kempis (to challenge someone)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic studies discussing Middle English or Northern dialects.
Everyday
Not used in standard everyday English.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They would kempis for the title every year at the village fair.
American English
- (Not used)
adverb
British English
- (Not used)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used as adjective) The kempis spirit was strong among the old rivals.
American English
- (Not used)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (This word is not suitable for A2 level.)
- (This word is not suitable for B1 level.)
- The old ballad told of a kempis between two knights.
- The political debate quickly devolved into a mere kempis of insults, devoid of substantive policy discussion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a champion (like a campion, an old word for champion) in a Kempis – it sounds like 'contest'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE/CONTEST (e.g., 'the kempis of daily life').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'компот' (compote). The word has no relation to the Russian language.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern contexts where 'competition' or 'contest' is intended.
- Assuming it is a common word.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'kempis'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, dialectal, and largely archaic word not used in modern standard English.
Not in standard communication. Using it would likely cause confusion. It is only appropriate in specific literary or dialectal contexts.
It derives from Middle English, related to Old Norse 'kempa' (to fight) and Old English 'cempa' (warrior). It is a noun form related to 'kemp', an archaic verb meaning to strive or contend.
Yes, Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1471) was a German-Dutch canon and the author of 'The Imitation of Christ'. However, this is a surname and unrelated to the English dialect word.