score
High-frequencyNeutral
Definition
Meaning
The number of points, goals, or runs achieved in a game, competition, or test.
Can refer to a set of twenty, the written music for a composition, or the act of gaining success or achieving something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has multiple senses: numerical result (e.g., sports), musical notation, verb meaning to achieve points or succeed, and historical use for a group of twenty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor; in slang, 'score' can mean to obtain drugs (more common in AmE) or a sexual conquest (BrE), but standard usage in sports, music, and general contexts is identical.
Connotations
Generally neutral; in formal contexts like music or academics, it carries professional connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, with high usage in sports, education, and music contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
score + object (e.g., score a victory)score + on + opponent (e.g., score on the defence)score + adverb (e.g., score highly)score + for + team (e.g., score for England)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “settle a score”
- “know the score”
- “on that score”
- “score points off someone”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To 'score a deal' means to successfully secure a business agreement or contract.
Academic
Refers to test or exam results, e.g., 'She achieved a perfect score on the assessment.'
Everyday
Common in sports and games, e.g., 'What's the score in the match?'
Technical
In music, a 'score' is the written notation for a composition, indicating parts for instruments or voices.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He scored a hat-trick in the football match.
- She scored well on her driving test.
American English
- He scored a touchdown in the American football game.
- She scored high on the SAT exam.
adverb
British English
- He played strategically to score effectively.
- The team performed score-aware throughout.
American English
- They aimed to score big in the competition.
- She calculated score-precisely for the report.
adjective
British English
- The score update was displayed on the screen.
- They reviewed the score sheet after the game.
American English
- The score difference decided the championship.
- He checked the scorecard for accuracy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- What is the score in the game?
- He has a good score on the test.
- The final score was 3-1 to our team.
- Can you keep the score for the quiz?
- She scored top marks in the history exam.
- The orchestra played from a complex musical score.
- He managed to score a lucrative contract with the new client.
- The composer's score required intricate coordination among musicians.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SCORE: Sports Competitions Often Record Excellence.
Conceptual Metaphor
Life is a game where we keep score of achievements and failures.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- In Russian, 'счёт' can mean score but also account or bill, leading to confusion in financial contexts.
- The verb 'забить' is similar to 'score' in sports, but not directly equivalent in all uses.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'score' as a noun when a verb is needed, e.g., 'He made a score' instead of 'He scored.'
- Confusing 'score' with 'scour' in pronunciation or spelling.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'score' mean in the context of music?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Score' typically refers to the total number of points, while 'points' are individual units that contribute to the score.
Yes, as a noun it means the result or points, and as a verb it means to gain points or achieve something.
In standard usage, no significant differences; however, slang meanings may vary, such as in informal contexts for obtaining something.
It means to get revenge or resolve a past grievance or conflict.